When we think of women in football, the first memory can be that of players like Tamires, from Corinthians, defending a team on the field. But women are present at all levels in sport – and not only in the female category. Roberta Fernandes, the first woman to become CEO of a soccer team, and referee Edina Alves are some of those that work in other areas of the football industry.
The story of these women, from the backstage to the final game, is told in the documentary “Backstage-Backstage and Challenges of Football”, which opens on Tuesday (7), at HBO Max. Fernanda Menegotto, director of the film, says the idea is to show the invisible stories such as business leaders, physical preparation and even lawyers, like Roberta.
For this, the director elected impact names to be the protagonists of this story. In addition to Tamires, Edina and Roberta, the documentary shows how women participate in a complex logistics so that the ball can roll for 90 minutes of play.
This motto came to Menegotto in a routine conversation with his children, being questioned by his nine -year -old daughter about why he doesn’t see women “sending” in football. The answer came from his six -year -old son, who countered that his classmate, Roberta Fernandes, sent in football.
“When I entered I had no one to inspire me,” says Roberta to Sheet. “It’s a movement that needs to expand and I think I have a responsibility and a chance to be that voice, this transformation agent.” She sees her participation in the documentary as a chance to inspire other girls who also want to take this place.
The representativeness on screens is also a prominent point for Sabrina Nudeliman, CEO of Elo Studios, which produces the film. “I think in recent years we have taken several steps back with diversity. So I think more than ever need to celebrate the advances and ensure their maintenance,” he says, stating that this is a project to talk to those who are still “not converted”, which considers a major challenge of impact entertainment.
Menegotto shares the same feeling, stating that the documentary can be a catalyst for the conversations of female protagonism, but without removing the male audience. “We want these men to recognize that behind these great decisions, women are also participating there,” he says.
She acted with three other directors: Dani Tolomei, Carla Meireles and Roberta Cunha, who reiterate that the film wanted to show backstage stories, overcoming and victories of women, rather than focusing on obstacles.
Market interest in women’s football exists, says Nudeliman. The producer and Fernandes point out that FIFA’s latest global transfer report shows that the movements in women’s football this year doubled compared to 2024.
Roseli de Belo, a former Brazilian team striker in the first female World Cup, says he is confident with the current scenario of the sport. “Before we played for love. Even to have a uniform was difficult. Today we left a legacy, and it is growing more and more.”
Roberta says she believes that the 2027 Female World Cup, which will take place in Brazil, will be a unique opportunity. “I think we have a long way to go, but I already see a very big change. Roberta 20 years ago never imagined that something like this would be possible, but when I look back, I am absolutely sure that is a way without return, the turn is now and is happening here.
