Growing Momentum in Brazilian Women's Sports: Skateboarding and Football Rising
Female interest and participation in Brazilian sports, notably skateboarding and football, have surged significantly, driven by Olympic successes, media visibility, and upcoming World Cups.
- • Women's interest in sports in Brazil increased 25% from 2020 to 2025.
- • Skateboarding saw a 49% increase in female participation.
- • Prominent judokas like Sarah Menezes and Larissa Pimenta have inspired women in sports.
- • 64% of Brazilian women identify as football fans, with increasing visibility of women's football.
- • Brazil will host the first-ever Women's World Cup in 2027, boosting interest further.
Key details
Brazil has witnessed a significant surge in female participation and interest in sports, with skateboarding and football leading the way. According to a recent study by Instituto Ibope Repucom, women's interest in sports increased by 25% between 2020 and 2025, surpassing the national average growth of 19%. Skateboarding experienced the most remarkable rise, with a 49% increase fueled by Olympic successes and high-profile athletes like Rayssa Leal, whose achievements have helped popularize the sport among women.
Women's judo continues to shine in Brazil, marked by the accomplishments of athletes such as Sarah Menezes, Rafaela Silva, and Beatriz Souza. Their podium finishes trace back to Ketleyn Quadros’ historic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, inspiring a new generation represented by Larissa Pimenta, who medaled in Tokyo 2021 and aims to compete in Paris 2024. Larissa has emphasized the crucial role of female role models in motivating increased female sports engagement.
Football remains Brazil’s most popular sport overall, with 64% of women identifying as fans, though it ranks third in female interest behind artistic gymnastics (72%) and volleyball (69%). Media visibility has played a vital role in growing women's sports popularity. The forthcoming 2026 Men's World Cup and Brazil’s hosting of the inaugural Women's World Cup in 2027 are expected to further boost enthusiasm. Already, 65% of Brazilians express excitement about the Women's World Cup.
At a ceremony honoring Sesi São Paulo as a Club Formador by the CBF, young female football players celebrated current and retired women athletes, reflecting the rising admiration and support for women's football. Overall, these developments underscore a dynamic expansion in Brazilian women’s sports, propelled by role models, media exposure, and major upcoming sporting events.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
