Processo migratório de atletas e treinadores(as) de futebol nos clubes da UEFA Women’s Champions League

Abstract

Women’s soccer has undergone rapid expansion and professionalization, especially in Europe, where the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) has established itself as the main showcase of the sport and a major destination for players from different countries. In this context, this study analyzed the migratory process of athletes and coaches from UWCL clubs in the 2024/2025 season through a documentary and descriptive approach based on data from the official UEFA website, covering 458 players and 16 coaches. The results indicate a strong intra-European hegemony, as 86.9% of foreign players come from within the continent, while only 13.1% originate from other regions, mainly the Americas and Asia, concentrated in clubs with greater financial investment, particularly those in England. Positional analysis revealed lower international mobility among goalkeepers and defenders, whereas midfielders and especially forwards are the most mobile, reflecting the market’s preference for positions associated with offensive protagonism and match-decisive performance. The study also identified the low presence of women in coaching roles (only three female coaches among the 16 clubs) highlighting structural inequalities in access to leadership positions. Overall, the findings show that the migratory dynamics in European women’s football reflect both the advancement of professionalization and persistent economic, geographic, and gender disparities, functioning as a driver of competitive development, yet still in a selective and asymmetrical manner.