The first women's World Cup took place in 1991, six decades after the men's version. However, women's soccer has an older history, with the first match between women dating back to 1885 in England. Since then, the sport has grown, including in Brazil, with top-level athletes. Despite the challenges, women's soccer in the country has shown remarkable growth in fan engagement, sponsorship and media coverage, setting records at every competition.

The first records of the sport in the country date back to the 1920s, when it was treated in an artistic and even humorous way, becoming a circus attraction. In 1940, the first matches were held at the Pacaembu stadium, but in 1941 the games were banned as they were considered unsuitable for women. In Europe, the story was similar, and for almost 50 years the practice was also banned there.

In 1979, a 1965 measure that had imposed a more detailed ban in Brazil was finally repealed. Things began to change for real in 1983, when women's soccer in the country was regulated, allowing competitions, use of stadiums and teaching in schools.

Today, with greater recognition, the sport has entered the official grid of major sports championships. Neoenergia, sponsor of the national team, is part of this history, supporting athletes and contributing to their professional development.

Brazil's first women's soccer team

The first professional women's soccer team in Brazil was Radar, founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1981. Together with Juventus, it represented the country at the first FIFA women's tournament in China in 1988 – the team won bronze on penalties. Today, the Corinthians women's team is the biggest national champion, accumulating titles in the Brasileirão Championship.

Brazil's best, who have conquered the world!

The history of Brazilian women's soccer is marked by some extraordinary players who have achieved remarkable feats and contributed significantly to the success of the Brazilian national team. Let's take a look at some of these legends of the sport:

These players not only broke barriers in women's soccer, but also inspired future generations to follow in their footsteps and continue the tradition of excellence in the sport. They are true legends of Brazilian soccer and a source of pride for the country.

With the #NossaVez campaign for the 2023 Women's World Cup, Neoenergia has shed light on the importance of gender equality with the aim of getting the Brazilian public to reflect on the issue both on and off the pitch.

History of the sport

2022

Neoenergia takes the field with the national team to help the sport reach the next level. The national championship is renamed the Neoenergia Women's Brasileirão.

The partnership ran until 2024, supporting athletes and their teams to go further and further in competitions.

2019

FIFA and Conmebol oblige clubs wishing to compete in the men's Libertadores and South American Championships to also have women's teams.

2013

CBF launched the Women's Brasileirão, with 20 clubs in the first edition.

2007

Marta was already the best player in the world, and Brazil showed it in practice: at the Rio Pan, they beat the United States 5-0 in the final to win the other. At the World Cup, the Seleção won silver in the final against Germany.

1991

The first Fifa Women's World Cup was organized, won by the United States.

1986

A great year: the first Brazilian women's soccer team took to the field, with pioneers Sidnéia (Lica), Rosa, Mary, Jurema and Fanta; Danda, Fia, Cenira and Pelezinha; Lúcia and Elzinha. Future goalscorer Marta Vieira da Silva was also born in Alagoas.

1983

The sport was finally regulated on national soil, with friendly matches in stadiums, beach tournaments, calendars and practice in schools.

1971

The European federations reviewed their decision to ban women from playing the sport.

1941

Getúlio Vargas signs a decree banning women from playing soccer in Brazil. The decree was repealed in 1979.

1881

The first international women's friendly match on record took place: England v Scotland in Edinburgh. The game was stopped and the sport banned.