Colombian women’s football fans in Santiago de Cali were in for a different show when they attended the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero on Saturday night. A Brazilian derby unfolded in the Conmebol Libertadores Femenina final – where Corinthians beat Palmeiras to win their fourth title, having also conquered the continent in 2017, 2019 and 2021. However, even though there is a clear hegemony of Brazilian sides in South American club football, players have noticed improvements in other countries.
“I think Colombia nowadays has the best teams,” says Tamires, the Corinthians left-back and one of Brazil’s captains. “Whenever we play them, it is really hard. There are also Boca Juniors in Argentina, who reached the final [last year]. There are also the fans, supporting their countries and clubs and breaking records in Peru and Colombia.” For her, the fact that Brazilian clubs such as Corinthians have been investing harder in the women’s game can serve as an inspiration for other countries and leagues.
