Santos FC Icons Reflect on Progress and Challenges in Brazilian Women's Football Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Santos FC's leading figures highlight progress and ongoing challenges in Brazilian women's football, emphasizing the need for sustained investment and stability ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup.
- • Ketlen Wiggers highlights growth and financial potential in women's football but warns about instability with team closures.
- • Thais Picarte notes improvements in visibility and calls for more women in football management roles.
- • Santos FC's women's team was preserved despite the men's team relegation, providing player security.
- • The 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is seen as a major opportunity to boost support for women's football.
Key details
On International Women's Day, key figures from Santos FC's women's football highlighted both the strides made and ongoing obstacles in the development of women's football in Brazil. Ketlen Wiggers, Santos' all-time leading goal scorer, and Thais Picarte, former Brazilian national team goalkeeper and current coordinator for Santos' women's team, shared their insights on the sport's landscape.
Ketlen Wiggers pointed out the visible growth of women's football, noting the rising transfer values of female athletes as proof that investing in the sport can yield financial rewards for clubs. However, she expressed serious concerns regarding the recent discontinuation of women's teams across Brazil, citing the closure of Avaí Kindermann, a historic club in women's football, as particularly alarming. This instability creates insecurity for players and threatens to undermine progress. Wiggers praised Santos FC for maintaining its women's team even after the men's team was relegated to Série B, emphasizing that this provides vital security and continuity for athletes.
Thais Picarte reflected on the significant evolution in the sport's visibility and infrastructure since her playing days, highlighting improvements in media coverage and social media exposure. However, she stressed the ongoing need for greater female representation in football management. According to Picarte, women with playing experience are best positioned to understand and cater to the needs of female athletes, promoting a more supportive and effective football environment.
Both Wiggers and Picarte urged clubs to continue investing in women's football and to foster unity among women involved in the sport. Looking ahead, they expressed optimism about the upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, anticipating that this premier international event will boost interest, support, and opportunities for women in Brazilian football.
The conversation underscores that while women's football in Brazil has advanced in visibility and structure, sustained institutional support and investment are critical to securing the sport's growth and stability in the years to come.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
