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Women's football in Brazil: championships, teams, highlights and challenges

Women's soccer in Brazil is on the rise, with talented players gaining ground and recognition. Learn more about

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Learn More About the Growth of Women's Soccer in Brazil

Women's soccer in Brazil is gaining more and more media attention and is in the hearts of fans. Although it doesn't receive the attention it deserves, it's a sport experiencing exponential growth.

It's worth noting that Brazilian women players are no less talented and skilled than their male counterparts. They also possess the same swagger, knowledge, and passion for the sport as their male counterparts.

futebol feminino brasil

If you want to know more about women's soccer, its championships, players and teams, you're in the right place.

Keep reading to learn a little more about the topic and fall in love with Brazilian women's soccer once and for all!

What are the main women's soccer championships in Brazil?

Brazil has several important women's soccer championships. Generally, they follow the same logic as the men's competitions.

Therefore, they include the Brazilian Championship, the State Championships, and the Copa do Brasil. Learn more about each of them below!

Brazilian Women's Football Championship (A-1 and A-2)

This is the main national women's soccer competition. It has only two divisions.

Unlike men's football, these are not series A and B, as both are A, and classified by numbers.

Série A-1 features 16 teams, while Série A-2 features 16 teams. The championship is organized by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and determines the national champion.

Just like in men's football, whoever is bottom of the A-1 series will, in the next cycle, be part of group A-2.

Those who are best placed in series A-2 are promoted and move on to division A-1 the following year.

Brazilian Women's Football Cup

This is the second most important women's football competition in Brazil. It features 32 teams from all over Brazil.

Whoever wins this championship will secure a spot in the Women's Copa Libertadores.

State Championships

Finally, there are also State Championships. They help strengthen regional identity and fuel passions.

Each state organizes its own women's championship, including the calendar and format.

Who are the main players who have played women's football in Brazil?

futebol feminino brasil

Brazilian women's soccer boasts true stars. They are renowned worldwide and have revolutionized the sport.

While some have played or continue to play in Brazil, others have pursued international careers. Below, see the country's top female players, whether they are currently active or not:

Martha

Marta has been named the best player in the world six times by FIFA, in addition to winning a major global award.

Marta is undoubtedly one of the most important players in women's soccer worldwide. She plays as a forward and currently plays for Orlando Pride (USA).

She is famous for being a reference on and off the field, especially for her fight for gender equality in sport.

Debinha

A forward for the North Carolina Courage (USA), Debinha is known for her speed, dribbling, and skill. She was named the best player at the Copa América Femenina in 2018 and 2022.

Ant

If we put the name on this player's birth certificate here, you probably wouldn't know who she is. Formiga is the nickname of player Miraildes Maciel Mota.

An experienced midfielder, Formiga is the player with the most caps for the Brazilian national team in history, having played over 200 matches for the yellow jersey.

Cristiane Rozeira

Santos striker Cristiane is the Brazilian national team's top scorer, with over 150 goals. Her strength and eye for goal are among her strengths.

Tamires Dias

Corinthians' left-back, Tamires is one of the pillars of the Brazilian national team.

What are the top women's football teams in Brazil?

There are a few teams that stand out in the Brazilian women's national soccer championships. They are:

  • Corinthians: Corinthians is the biggest champion of the Brazilian Women's Championship;
  • Palm trees: current champion of the Brazilian Women's Championship, won the title in 2022. He was also champion of the Copa do Brasil Feminina in 2020;
  • São Paulo: One of the most traditional teams in Brazilian women's soccer. The team won the Brazilian Women's Championship in 2012 and 2014;
  • Railway: Ferroviária is the name of one of the most consistent teams in Brazilian women's soccer. It was runner-up in the Brazilian Women's Championship in 2019, 2020, and 2022;
  • Flemish: Flamengo is one of the teams that invests the most in women's football in Brazil and was runner-up in the Women's Copa do Brasil in 2021.
  • International: Internacional's women's team, better known as Gurias Coloradas, has been on the rise in recent years. Founded in 1983, the team has won the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship 12 times, and in 2023, it had its best run in the Brazilian Women's Championship, finishing in 4th place.

Brazilian women's soccer team: interesting facts

futebol feminino brasil

It's impossible to talk about women's soccer in Brazil without mentioning the Brazilian women's national team. After all, it's the gathering of Brazil's biggest stars to represent the country in the world championship.

The Brazilian women's national team has already achieved many successes and continues to be a promising player in world football. Although their results at the last World Cup, in 2023, were disappointing, the team shines on the field and promises to grow even further.

The first Brazilian women's team to participate in the FIFA World Cup was in 1991, the year the women's competition debuted. Since then, the Brazilian national team has participated in every edition of the championship.

The best results were achieved in 2007, when Brazil finished second in the competition, a historic achievement for the team. This achievement follows that of 1999, when the Brazilian team finished third.

What are the main obstacles faced by women's football in Brazil?

Brazilian women's soccer offers talent, wonderful plays, and plenty of excitement. However, it still faces obstacles that prevent it from achieving its due recognition.

Lack of investment

Unfortunately, women's soccer still receives far less investment than the men's category. This isn't limited to team budgets and player salaries, but also to brand support and promotion of the sport.

Lack of structure

Most women's teams still lack adequate professional infrastructure, with the exception of the major ones. As a result, they face a lack of training grounds, equipment, and qualified professionals.

Lack of visibility

Women's soccer still has little media coverage, making it difficult to attract new investment and fans. However, broadcasting games on national free-to-air television is changing this.

Prejudice

Sexism is still a major problem in women's football, with players often victims of prejudice and discrimination, despite their talent and skill on the field.

And if you want to know more about sports in Brazil and around the world, follow everything with us here at Mr. Sports!

About the author  /  Aline Mesquita

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