December 7 – Brazil is the champion of the first-ever Futsal Women’s World Cup. Their win over Portugal in front of a sold-out PhilSports Arena in Manila was a reminder of how deeply futsal sits at the heart of Brazilian player development and why the sport keeps producing world-class talent on both the women’s and men’s sides of the game.
Brazil has treated futsal as a foundational training ground for decades. Former World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho, has often said that futsal shaped the way he played the game, sharpening his touch, creativity, and decision-making in tight spaces. Watching Brazil’s women take control of this first World Cup, it was easy to see those same traits on display as they swaggered their way through the competition.
Luis Conceicao’s team pushed hard throughout the match, and Portuguese goalkeeper Ana Catarina Pereira kept them competitive with several outstanding stops, but the samba rhythm couldn’t be contained as Brazil’s technique and depth were simply too much over 40 minutes with Brazil running out 3-0 winners.
For Brazil coach Wilson Saboia, the victory is about more than a trophy. “[I’m] really happy. The players are amazing, the coaching staff is wonderful. It leaves huge legacy because it will further popularise futsal in schools, clubs, universities. All of this will produce better coaches and players.”
Portugal coach Conceicao had nothing but pride for his squad. “Congratulations to Brazil. They were better. We had an incredible competition. We are very proud to reach this stage. It wasn’t enough, Brazil are a very strong team with a lot of individual quality. I’m very proud of my players. We greatly honoured Portuguese women’s futsal and the Portuguese people.”
This tournament marks yet another development notch in the women’s game and proof that, given the platform, the women can put on a good show just like the men.
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