Portugal’s 50,000-seat Estádio José Alvalade will host the UEFA Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona on Saturday, 24 May. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) secured the prestigious event as part of its strategy to boost women’s football in the country—and the efforts are already showing results.
“It’s a great privilege for Portugal to host such an important final, especially at Alvalade,” said an FPF spokesperson. “We’re confident fans and the city will embrace this event, which is fantastic for our nation.”
Investment Driving Success
In February 2024, the FPF announced a €7.8 million investment into women’s football over the next two seasons, aiming to strengthen domestic and European competitiveness.
Key improvements include:
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All top-division matches now played on natural grass pitches.
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Pregnancy and maternity protections for female players.
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Encouraging clubs to adopt professional structures.
The investment is working. The Portuguese women’s national team has climbed from 46th to 19th in FIFA rankings over the past 11 years. They competed in Women’s EURO 2017 and 2022 and made their debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Now ranked 22nd, Portugal is preparing for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025—their third straight major tournament—by facing top-tier opponents in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Historic Club Progress
For the first time ever, Portugal will have three teams in the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League:
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SL Benfica (league phase)
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Sporting CP & SC Braga (qualifying rounds)
“Our growth has been extraordinary,” said Francisco Neto, Portugal’s women’s head coach since 2014. “The partnership between the FPF, clubs, and regional associations is working perfectly, leading to major improvements in our league and national team.”
Groundbreaking Infrastructure
SC Braga made history in February 2025 by opening the Amélia Morais Stadium—Portugal’s first stadium dedicated solely to a women’s team. The €10 million project has transformed the club’s future.
“This facility is a game-changer,” said SC Braga President António Salvador.
Weeks later, another milestone was reached when Catarina Campos—one of 12 referees selected for Women’s EURO 2025—became the first woman to referee a men’s top-flight match in Portugal, after debuting in the second division earlier in 2025.
Grassroots Growth
Participation is soaring:
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132% increase in female football and futsal players over 11 seasons (2012/13 to 2022/23).
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Numbers rose from 14,607 (2022/23) to 17,859 (2023/24)—now reaching 20,000, with the biggest growth in under-11 players.
With more players, teams, competitions, and investment, women’s football in Portugal is on a sustainable path toward full professionalization—and the future looks brighter than ever.
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