Arsenal Women secured a historic financial windfall after winning the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, collecting a record £1.7 million following a dramatic 3–2 victory over Brazil’s Corinthians after extra time at Emirates Stadium.
The prize money represents the largest payout ever awarded in women’s club football and far surpasses last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League reward. Arsenal’s £1.7 million (approximately $2.3 million) haul is almost four times the €500,000 around £430,000 earned for lifting Europe’s top club trophy.
The new FIFA competition brought together continental champions from six regions for the first time. Arsenal entered the final as favourites but were forced into a tense, hard-fought contest by their resilient South American opponents.
Playing in front of more than 25,000 fans in north London, Arsenal took an early lead through Olivia Smith. Corinthians responded when Gabi Zanotti equalised, before Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal’s advantage. Late drama followed as Corinthians were awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time, with VAR ruling Gisela Robledo had been fouled in the box despite Katie McCabe appearing to win the ball. Vic Albuquerque converted from the spot to send the match into extra time.
The decisive breakthrough came during extra time when Caitlin Foord finished confidently at the near post to seal the trophy for Arsenal. Club captains Kim Little and Leah Williamson later lifted the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, marking a landmark moment both on the pitch and financially for the women’s game.
Be the first to comment