The 2025 edition of the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino commenced on March 22, 2025, promising to be a landmark year for women’s football in Brazil. This season opens with a record investment, marking a 20% increase in funding compared to last year, a development that aims to elevate the quality and visibility of women’s soccer.
On the first day, fans witnessed an exciting matchup between Palmeiras and Red Bull Bragantino, which kicked off at 9 PM at the Arena Barueri in São Paulo. Earlier in the day, Internacional faced off against Bahia, while Juventude took on América Mineiro. Both games began simultaneously at 4 PM, showcasing the tournament's promising start.
The Brasileirão features 16 clubs battling it out in a round-robin format, where each team will compete against one another in a single round. At the end of this initial phase, set to conclude on June 18, 2025, the top eight teams will advance to the quarter-finals, while the two lowest-ranked will face relegation to Série A2. This foundational structure ensures that every match significantly contributes to the teams' chances of progressing.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues emphasized the importance of increasing investment: “We are preparing to make the best edition of the Brasileirão Feminino. The CBF has increased investment in the competition,” he shared. Such a substantial boost not only enhances the teams’ operational capacities, including transportation and logistics but also signals a broader commitment to fostering women's football.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to be more fiercely contested than in previous years. With significant reinforcements among rival clubs, particularly in São Paulo, predictions on outcomes have become unpredictable. Formerly dominant Corinthians, who enjoyed remarkable success, have faced challenges with crucial player departures and two consecutive final losses, altering their previously unassailable status.
This season, new clubs such as Instituto 3B, Sport, Juventude, and Bahia, which were all promoted from Série A2, will bring fresh dynamics to the championship, increasing the competitive landscape. The changes in the roster of the well-admired Corinthians team could also pave the way for surprising strategies from emerging supporters.
Matches during the opening weekend continue with key matchups on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The fixture line-up includes Ferroviária facing Sport at 4 PM, with others like 3B da Amazônia squaring off against Fluminense at 6 PM, and the climactic encounter of Cruzeiro against Grêmio taking place at 6:30 PM at the Estádio Castor Cifuentes in Minas Gerais.
Reflecting on the improved hiring decisions by clubs, the Palmeiras squad is also undergoing transformations under their new coach Camilla Orlando. Their impressive credentials have already materialized into a championship victory—culminating in a historic win against Corinthians for the 2024 Campeonato Paulista title.
Monday, March 24, will showcase the remaining games featuring Real Brasília against the reigning champions Corinthians and Flamengo against São Paulo. These games promise to act as pivotal moments in deciding the early trajectory of the championship.
Aside from the competitive structure, the tournament has integrated significant regulations that uphold equity and safety. For instance, the FIFA anti-racism protocol will be enforced actively during matches, allowing players and officials to protest against discrimination effectively. Furthermore, a new concussion protocol will be introduced, which permits an additional substitution for any player identified to have sustained a concussion. The employing club’s medical staff will need to inform referees using a red card indicating the player's withdrawal from the game, encouraging the health and safety of athletes.
The rise of women's football in Brazil over the years has been noteworthy, further solidified by the national media coverage from prominent broadcasters such as TV Globo and TV Brasil, which will showcase all matches live, ensuring fans have access to their favorite teams. As the competition unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever, and this year’s Brasileirão appears poised to deliver thrilling matches that will not only entertain but also promote awareness and growth in the sport.
Looking ahead, the first phase of the tournament concludes on June 18, 2025, with the finals scheduled for September 14, aiming to crown the next champion of women's football in Brazil. As teams and fans gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable season, the excitement surrounding the Brasileirão Feminino is palpable, signaling a transformative era for the future of women's sports.
