Player and top scorer, Glaucia Cristiano, brings insights into women’s football in Brazil
Women’s football, more than a sport, is a symbol of resistance and overcoming prejudices. After all, who hasn’t heard the phrase “football isn’t for girls”? Yes, the truth is that sport can belong to anyone, children, adults and the elderly of all genders. This negative stereotype for women’s soccer started around the 1920s and was practiced in circuses. In this scenario the players were not seen as athletes but as actresses performing in a show. However, women’s football has gained more respect from the public in recent years. In today’s article, Glaucia Cristiano*, one of the greatest strikers in the Brazilian and Paulista league, talks about the importance of sport in the lives of many girls and women, and also talks about the difficulties which, unfortunately, are still frequent in sport. Check it out below!
The importance of women’s football for Brazil
Football is one of Brazil’s greatest cultural symbols. We are internationally known for hosting the greatest football talent in the world. As mentioned above, sport is endurance and struggle. But the struggle, many times, isn’t confined to the field, it’s in society as a whole.
“[O futebol feminino] it’s a way to show society that we can be where we want. Just as there are so many male talents in football, there are also female talents.”
, says Glaucia Cristiano. The truth is, more and more athletes are being discovered and are turning pro and defending dedicated teams inside and outside the country. In this way, women’s empowerment is a decisive factor in making these girls’ and women’s dreams come true. But the sport still suffers:
“Football was and still is a very sexist environment, we are changing that”
, comments the athlete. Therefore, they must overcome difficulties one goal at a time!
The successes and challenges of women’s football
“[As conquistas] they are still few, we cannot make any comparison with the male modality, but, thinking only of the female one, today we have signed charters, we have fields to train, medical facilities, some clubs with nutritionists, psychologists, which shows that we care about them about mode”
comments Glaucia Cristiano. There is a hostile scenario that athletes face on a daily basis which are listed below:
1. Sponsorship
This first item demonstrates that women’s football needs to fight, much more than men’s, to have sponsorships worthy of the talent of so many girls and women.
2. Training of new talents
Establishing training centers for female athletes is what could foster positive growth in sport. This is what will allow for more high-level players with professional training in childhood and adolescence in the near future.
3. Disclosure of the practice
The matches played by women are not advertised as widely as the men’s matches, but little by little the athletes are gaining space in advertising and in the hearts of Brazilians. The truth is that there is still a long way to go, but the word “surrender” is not part of their vocabulary.
4. Compensation
One of the most talked about inequalities in sport is wages. While gaining more and more space, remuneration, compared to men, will hardly reach the same level of values in the near future.
Photo reproduction from Instagram @glaucia.cristiano
The biggest challenges in sport
“Stay at a high level, always be and keep the attitude of an athlete. So that things happen right in your career”,
says the athlete. Maintaining idol-worthy behavior should be one of the prerequisites for success in sport. Bearing in mind that the reach of these athletes is enormous and they have the power to influence the lives of young people and adults alike. Responsibility goes beyond goals on the field, it goes beyond the barrier of stadiums. Furthermore, the psychological factor becomes essential: ”
For the 90 minutes to take place with excellence, we must have a good head and with the physical part updated”
comments Glaucia Cristiano.
Sports lessons for today
The struggle is constant, being present and important to the sport is a daily challenge. In the past, the sport was seen as a circus attraction. Nothing related to the practice we have today. In the beginning, the women and the soccer ball were stage partners, nothing more than an artistically synchronized dance for entertainment. The reality is that today this scenario is not much different. Women’s football was still dance and entertainment, but these two aspects were directed towards a regulated sport of recognized importance. Today he is a symbol of female emancipation, determination and resistance, football is a dance, but not like it used to be. It is not only concerned with beauty and lightness, but also with speed, precision and teamwork. Glaucia Cristiano affirms in this regard
“The fight that started there needs to be bigger and bigger and aimed more at modality and at women. If today we have a bigger program, more resources, it’s because many people have been fighting and fighting for years”
He says.
Advice for young athletes
“Persist, insist, fight for the dream. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from doing what you want. And when you do it, do it with will, determination. You have to stand out and distinguish yourself so as not to be just another”
, underlines Glaucia Cristiano. As in all professions, it takes dedication and persistence to achieve one’s goals. Today, with symbols like Glaucia Cristiano and Marta, it’s easy to aim for a target to inspire and continue on the path of football. Despite the mishaps along the way, the profession is gaining more notoriety among Brazilians and is expected to reach more people around the world. Like any sport, support is needed, so even if you can’t sponsor a women’s team you can help by watching games on television, going to the stadium and praising these women who are such an essential part of what football is.
*Glaucia Cristiano is an athlete who was revealed at the age of 14 by the São Bernado Futebol Clube. She has been a forward for São Paulo Futebol Clube since 2020 and was one of the team’s top goalscorers in 2021.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
