Brazil's Investment Surge in Youth and Women's Football Marks New Era of Development
Brazil ramps up investments in youth football development and unveils an expanded, well-funded women's football calendar starting in 2026, aiming to strengthen the sport nationwide.
- • CBF announces a new women's football calendar for 2026 with increased clubs, matches, and financial investments totaling R$ 685 million.
- • Série A1 women's league expands from 16 to 18 teams, increasing matches from 134 to 167 and offering R$ 2 million prize for champions.
- • Sport Club Recife invests over R$ 1.1 million annually in youth development, focusing on integrating young players to reduce external transfer costs.
- • The SAF model is promoting better governance and long-term youth investment despite challenges in incentivizing clubs.
Key details
Brazil is making significant strides in football development with substantial investments aimed at nurturing young talent and expanding women's football across the country. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced a new, expansive calendar for women's football starting in 2026, featuring increased clubs, matches, and enhanced financial incentives. Concurrently, substantial investments continue to fuel youth player development amid efforts to modernize club governance.
The CBF's new women's football calendar introduces notable changes including an expansion of Série A1 from 16 to 18 teams and an increase in matches from 134 to 167. This overhaul includes a 41% rise in match days, an 84% increase in total matches, and a 69% boost in spots on the national calendar. Financial backing has grown to R$ 685 million across women's competitions, with prize money doubled for key events like the Copa do Brasil Feminina, which will now feature 66 teams. Additionally, mother athletes receive unprecedented support, with CBF funding travel for their children. According to CBF President Samir Xaud, the calendar was designed collectively with input from clubs, federations, players, and specialists, aiming to strengthen the sport ahead of Brazil hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Simultaneously, youth football remains a core focus. Sport Club Recife invests approximately R$ 7,000 annually per athlete, totaling over R$ 1.1 million for their youth program of 160 players. These investments cover a wide spectrum from technology and nutrition to psychological preparation. The club prioritizes integrating youth players into professional squads to reduce the need for costly external signings. Experts highlight Brazil's ongoing status as a major global exporter of football talent but emphasize the challenges of sustaining financial and structural support. The rise of the Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) model is helping modernize club management and foster long-term youth investment, though incentivizing sustained commitment remains difficult.
The dual focus on women's football expansion and youth development represents a strategic effort to ensure Brazil maintains its football preeminence. As the CBF injects R$ 685 million into women's leagues and clubs like Sport Recife double down on youth training with multi-million real investments, Brazil is reinforcing its pipeline of talent for future international success. This comprehensive approach prepares the national football ecosystem for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and continues Brazil's legacy in producing world-class players on both men's and women's sides.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.