Brazilian Championship. 2nd Division. Women
The Brazilian Women's Football Championship Second Division stands as the vibrant second tier of the nation's women's soccer pyramid. Run by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), it brings together clubs from across Brazil's vast regions, fostering talent growth and fierce promotion battles. In the 2024 season, 16 teams kicked off, emphasizing skillful, attacking play blended with gritty defending.
History and foundation
Launched in 2019 amid surging interest in women's soccer post-Brazil's World Cup exploits, the inaugural season saw Santos dominate from group stage to title. A fun fact: In 2021, Grêmio from Porto Alegre stunned favorites to claim the crown; 2022 brought Coritiba's group-stage win record. Despite pandemic disruptions, the league rebounded strongly, with match attendance up 40% in three years, fueling Brazil's women's soccer boom.
Tournament format
The structure features two phases: an initial group stage with 16 teams split into two groups of eight, each playing 14 matches (home and away). Group winners and the best runners-up advance to playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, and a one-off grand final on neutral ground. Top two teams earn promotion to Série A1, while bottom sides face relegation risks to the third tier.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.8, spiking to 4+ in derbies. Top scorer Zaira of Coritiba netted 22 in 2023. Standout players include Jamilly from Fluminense, a dribbling wizard who rose from Série A1; Letícia of Grêmio with 18 goals; and Ariana from Santos, famed for visionary assists. Emerging star: a 19-year-old striker from Atlético Goianiense with 15 goals in her debut year.