Corinthians Women’s Team: A Success Story in Brazilian Women’s Football
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, simply known as Corinthians, is one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, with a passionate fanbase and a rich history of achievements. In women’s football, the Corinthians Women’s team, affectionately called the “Brabas,” has established itself as a powerhouse not only in Brazil but across South America. This article delves into the team’s journey, its triumphs, the challenges faced, and the cultural and social impact it has had on Brazilian sport.
Origins and Foundation of Corinthians Women’s Team
The Beginnings of Women’s Football at Corinthians
Women’s football at Corinthians officially began in 1997, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the club made significant investments in the sport. Initially, the team faced challenges typical of women’s football in Brazil, such as limited sponsorship and infrastructure. However, the passion of Corinthians’ fanbase and the club’s vision to modernize paved the way for a more structured project.
Early Partnerships
Between 2016 and 2018, Corinthians partnered with Osasco Audax, enabling the club to compete in major tournaments like the Brazilian Championship and the Women’s Copa Libertadores. This collaboration was crucial for the early development of the squad and for securing titles that marked the start of a victorious era.
Rise and Historic Achievements
First National Title
In 2018, Corinthians Women won their first Brazilian Championship, a milestone that solidified their status as a national force. Under coach Arthur Elias, the Brabas showcased an attacking and consistent style, defeating traditional rivals like Flamengo and Ferroviária.
Dominance in the Women’s Copa Libertadores
The Women’s Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition, has seen Corinthians etch their name in history. The team won the title in 2019, beating Ferroviária in the final, and repeated the feat in 2021, 2023, and 2024, achieving a historic fifth title in 2024. These victories established Corinthians as the competition’s most successful club, surpassing international rivals like Santa Fé (Colombia) and Nacional (Uruguay).
Memorable Libertadores Moments
One standout moment was the 8-0 thrashing of Nacional in the 2021 Libertadores semifinal. Despite a regrettable racist incident targeting player Adriana, the team responded with anti-racist gestures, showcasing not only talent but also social consciousness.
Hegemony in the Brazilian Championship
Corinthians Women are five-time Brazilian champions, with consecutive titles from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, they faced São Paulo in the final, winning the first leg 3-1 at Morumbi and securing the title with a 2-0 victory at Itaquera. This run of success reflects the club’s consistency and planning, maintaining a strong squad despite changes in players and coaching staff.
Structure and Investment
Training Center and Infrastructure
Corinthians invests heavily in top-tier infrastructure for its women’s team. The Parque São Jorge Training Center, known as Fazendinha, is a cornerstone of their success, featuring high-quality pitches, a gym, and recovery facilities. Additionally, the Neo Química Arena, the stage for major matches, offers a unique experience with the presence of the passionate fanbase.
Fan Support
The Corinthians fanbase, known as the Fiel, is a key differentiator. At Neo Química Arena, the Brabas play to packed stands, a rarity in Brazilian women’s football. The 2024 Brazilian Championship final against São Paulo drew over 30,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere that boosts the team’s performance.
Impact of the Fans
The massive fan presence not only motivates the players but also intimidates opponents. Corinthians remain unbeaten at Itaquera, with 23 wins and one draw in 24 matches, an impressive record reflecting the power of fan support.
Players and Leaders
Icons of Corinthians Women
Corinthians Women have nurtured and attracted top Brazilian football talent. Players like Tamires, the team’s captain and defender, and Adriana, a standout forward, are icons on and off the pitch. Others, like Gabi Zanotti and Erika, have also left their mark with experience and leadership.
Tamires: The Tireless Captain
Tamires is a symbol of Corinthians Women. With stints in the Brazilian national team and World Cup appearances, she leads with grit and skill, proving pivotal in decisive moments like the Brazilian Championship and Libertadores finals.
Emerging Talents
Beyond veterans, Corinthians invests in young prospects. Players like Taina Borges, a goalkeeper re-signed for 2022, and Giovanna Campiolo highlight the club’s commitment to developing new generations. The 2025 goalkeeper rotation strategy across competitions aims to nurture talent while maintaining competitiveness.
Challenges and Controversies
Financial Issues
Despite on-field success, Corinthians Women faced off-field challenges. In 2024, a multimillion-dollar debt to players surfaced, surprising the squad. Players like Erika discovered they were creditors without having filed lawsuits. The club assured that salaries and image rights are up to date, but unpaid bonuses, such as those from the Libertadores, remain unresolved.
Club Response
Corinthians secured a 60-day court injunction to suspend bank account freezes, promising a payment plan for all creditors. While delicate, the situation has not visibly shaken the players’ focus on competitions.
Racism in Sport
The 2021 Libertadores racism incident involving Adriana was a low point. The incident sparked outrage but also reinforced the team’s commitment to anti-racism. Their collective gesture during goal celebrations became a symbol of resilience and unity.
Cultural and Social Impact
Inspiring New Generations
Corinthians Women go beyond sport, inspiring young girls to pursue football careers. Their success, coupled with visibility from broadcasts on TV Brasil and platforms like Disney+, has boosted interest in women’s football in Brazil.
Fight for Gender Equality
The Brabas are also leaders in the fight for gender equality in sport. By winning titles and drawing large crowds, Corinthians Women challenge stereotypes and push for greater investment in the sport. Sponsors like Neo Química and Vaidebet reflect the growing prominence of the women’s game.
Arthur Elias’ Legacy
Coach Arthur Elias, who led Corinthians from 2016 to 2023, was instrumental to their success. His departure to coach the Brazilian women’s national team in 2023 was a milestone, but the club maintained its winning philosophy under Lucas Piccinato. Elias’ legacy includes not just titles but a culture of excellence.
The Future of Corinthians Women
2025 Season
For 2025, Corinthians Women aim to maintain their dominance. With key player contract renewals and a goalkeeper rotation strategy, the club is gearing up for competitions like the Paulista Championship, Brazilian Championship, and Libertadores. Their strong foundation and fan support ensure continued competitiveness.
Growth of Women’s Football
Corinthians Women’s success is part of a broader movement in Brazil. With clubs like São Paulo and Palmeiras investing in women’s football, competition is intensifying, benefiting the sport’s development. Corinthians, however, remains a benchmark, blending tradition with innovation.
Conclusion
Corinthians Women are more than a football team; they are a symbol of resilience, talent, and transformation. With a history filled with titles, records, and unforgettable moments, the Brabas have captured the hearts of fans and earned the respect of the sporting world. Despite challenges like financial issues and incidents of prejudice, the club continues to write a story of success, inspiring generations and reinforcing the role of women’s football in Brazilian culture.
Whether at a packed Neo Química Arena with the Fiel or on South American pitches, Corinthians Women prove with every match that dedication and passion can lead to the top. Here’s to more titles, victories, and stories to tell!
