The history of women's football in Brazil: a narrative of challenges and paradigm shifts

For decades, the modality was banned on Brazilian soil, being practiced clandestinely.

Discussing the history of women's football in Brazil is, to a certain extent, talking about a lot of resistance and struggle. The modality was not always marked by swinging nets, titles and glory. After all, for most of its history, women's football was played behind the scenes, far from the eyes of the authorities who insisted on its ban.

The first references that we have news of soccer matches played by women date back to the 20s. However, records show that the sport was practiced in a very timid and incipient way by female players in centers such as Rio Grande do Norte, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. of January.

And the most surprising thing is that it is in the Brazilian circus that we see some of the first references of women's football, as a kind of attraction. Unfortunately, until 1940, women's football was far from Brazilian clubs. There were no indications of a ban, but even so, the practice was considered violent and should be restricted to men.

Prohibition: football under the hood

After the 40s, the scenario seemed to change, as some matches were played at Pacaembu. But, the joy was short-lived, since the practice ended up generating revolt in a large part of society.

The news that came out in the press at the time encouraged the authorities to ban women's football. Thus, the first prohibition took place from the regulation of sport in Brazil, which was due to the creation of the National Sports Council (CND).

In 1941, debates about amateurism began to gain popularity, and women's football became a demand of the CND. Therefore, according to Decree-Law No. April 3199, 1941, chapter IX art. 54, women would be prohibited from practicing sports that were incompatible with their nature.

Already in the year 1955, now during the military government, the decree-law is published again, due to the circulation of women practicing soccer clandestinely. Only in the 70s, the law that prohibited women from playing the sport was repealed.

The end of the ban was a big milestone, but still not enough to change the general landscape of women's football in Brazil. After all, the modality was marginalized and without financial incentives from clubs and federations.

Regulation and first world championship: an experiment!

In 1983, the modality finally receives regulation. The creation of a regulation allowed women access to games and stadiums, the creation of dispute calendars, as well as opening doors for the teaching and engagement of the modality in schools.

Professionalization came through clubs like Saad and Radar. The first championship dates back to 1988, when FIFA organized an experimental world championship in China, called the Women's Invitational Tournament.

The Brazilian team assembled for the competition had at its bases Radar, from Rio de Janeiro, and Juventus, from São Paulo. With no funds, the players traveled to the competition dressed in the remains of men's uniforms, due to a decision not to make their own clothes.

The tournament was very important, considering its impact on women's football around the world, which further boosted the presence of women in sports. Played by 12 teams, Brazil brought home the bronze in a penalty shoot-out.

The first participation of the players in the FIFA Cup and Olympics

The first FIFA Women's Football Cup was held in 1991. Although the CBF took over the national teams, the treatment was nothing compared to that spent on the men's national teams.

Our selection had less than a year of preparation for the Cup, which perhaps justifies its elimination in the first phase of the games. But we can't help but give credit to defender Elaine. The player scored the first goal of the Brazilian women's soccer team in a FIFA tournament in the match against Japan.

In 1996, it was our girls' turn to shine in the atlanta games, marking the great debut of women's football in the Olympics. With the veterans on the field, our team won fourth place, losing bronze to Norway.

Since then, the history of women's football in Brazil has gone through several ups and downs. In fact, he was able to consecrate one of his players as the top goalscorer in the world between men and women. Your name? Marta Vieira da Silva.

However, unfortunately, Brazilian women's football still lacks the attention and investments necessary for further development.

Not to mention that the modality is seen as secondary compared to men's football. However, despite the difficulties, Brazilian players have already conquered the world, showing that the place of women is yes in the fields and stadiums.