Brazil U-20 Women’s Team Impresses in South American Championship as Paris 2024 Looms
With the 2025 South American U-20 Women’s Championship underway in Colombia, Brazil’s U-20 women’s national football team has delivered standout performances, positioning themselves as favorites in the tournament and strong contenders for future Olympic success. As women’s football in Brazil continues to rise, the U-20 squad is proving that the next generation is ready to shine on the international stage.
Tournament Context: A Pathway to Paris
While the U-20 championship is not a direct qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games, it serves as a key developmental competition and a stage to identify players likely to make the leap to the senior national team. Brazil has used the tournament not only to compete for the title but also to groom its most promising talents.
Held in Bogotá and Cali, the tournament includes ten CONMEBOL nations and emphasizes tactical evolution, youth development, and international exposure for young athletes.
Brazil’s Dominant Start
Brazil has kicked off the tournament with three consecutive wins, including commanding performances such as:
- 4-0 vs. Ecuador
- 2-1 vs. Paraguay
- 3-0 vs. Bolivia
The team has showcased a mix of technical flair, physical conditioning, and tactical discipline under head coach Rosana Augusto, a former national team star turned tactician.
Rosana commented after the win over Ecuador:
“These girls are talented and fearless. They play with heart and intelligence, and that combination is what makes Brazil’s football so unique.”
Rising Stars to Watch
The current squad includes several standout players who are drawing attention from European scouts and clubs in Brazil’s top division.
✅ Alice Martins – Midfielder
- Known for her vision and passing range
- Dictates the tempo from the center of the pitch
- Already training with the senior team under Pia Sundhage
✅ Lara Campos – Forward
- Leading scorer in the tournament with 4 goals in 3 matches
- Combines pace with smart movement and strong finishing
- Likely to receive offers from European clubs after the tournament
✅ Júlia Nascimento – Defender
- Solid in one-on-one duels, great anticipation
- A calm leader in Brazil’s backline at just 19 years old
These players represent the future of Brazilian women’s football, with clear paths toward Olympic participation and beyond.
Style of Play: A Modern Brazilian Identity
This Brazil U-20 side blends traditional creativity with modern tactics:
- High pressing in the attacking third
- Compact defensive shape in transition
- Quick vertical passing in counter-attacks
- Wide play utilizing fullbacks in overlapping runs
Rosana has implemented a European-influenced structure while keeping the Brazilian instinct alive, creating a fluid, dangerous team that’s difficult to predict.
Continental Rivalries Heating Up
Brazil’s biggest challenges are expected to come from:
- Colombia, the host nation and defending champions
- Argentina, always a fierce rival with strong midfield control
- Venezuela, who boast some of the most athletic players in the tournament
The Brazil vs. Colombia clash is already being billed as a potential final preview, with both teams topping their respective groups.
Olympic Implications and the Road to 2024
Although the 2025 U-20 Championship does not offer Olympic spots directly, several players are already being considered for Brazil’s Paris 2024 Olympic squad, especially as injuries and retirements reshape the senior team.
Coach Pia Sundhage has attended matches in Colombia, and CBF officials confirmed that at least five U-20 players are on the provisional Olympic long list.
Fan Support and Visibility
The tournament has enjoyed growing support, with Brazilian fans showing up in large numbers, and broadcasts reaching high engagement across YouTube, SporTV, and social media.
Hashtags like #GuerreirasDoBrasil and #BaseFeminina are trending, bringing visibility to a youth squad that, until recently, operated mostly under the radar.
The attention could mark a turning point in the investment and coverage of women’s youth football in Brazil.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
The Brazil U-20 women’s team is not just playing to win a regional title—they’re building a legacy, inspiring future generations, and stepping forward as potential Olympians.
As they continue to shine in Colombia, one thing is clear: the future of Brazilian women’s football is already making noise—and it’s loud enough to echo all the way to Paris.