Arsenal claimed the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Brazil’s Corinthians in a rain-soaked final at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Captain Kim Little and vice-captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy after goals from Olivia Smith, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Caitlin Foord secured the win. The triumph earns Arsenal a US$2.3 million prize and marks another milestone for the English club.
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brought together champions from six confederations, with Arsenal qualifying directly to the semi-finals as reigning UEFA Women’s Champions League winners. On Wednesday, they thrashed Moroccan side AS FAR 6-0 at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. In the other semi-final, Corinthians edged US champions Gotham FC 1-0, thanks to a goal from Gabi Zanotti. Earlier on Sunday, Gotham secured third place with a 4-0 win over AS FAR.
The final at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium drew 25,031 fans, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Arsenal led 2-1 at half-time through strikes from Olivia Smith and Lotte Wubben-Moy, but Vic Albuquerque’s 96th-minute penalty forced extra time. Caitlin Foord then netted the decisive goal in the 104th minute, beating goalkeeper Lele at the near post. The match was played in torrential rain, testing both teams’ resilience.
Arsenal captain Kim Little, named player of the match, praised her team’s comeback after a late concession. “It was a very eventful game... credit to the team for being resilient, coming back after conceding really late on and putting in a really strong performance in extra time,” she said in a post-match press conference. On the trophy’s significance, Little added, “It’s quite a unique experience... another special moment for this great club who have a great legacy and are trailblazers in the women’s game.”
Lotte Wubben-Moy reflected on the historic win: “It’s not often that at Arsenal you can write history... To come to this inaugural competition and win it, and do it with all of our fans here in style... Our fans are wonderful, and that’s who we do it for.” Head coach Renee Slegers highlighted the challenge: “Corinthians did really well... played with a lot of intensity, energy, passion and very high discipline defending their goal.” Frida Maanum was named player of the tournament.
The one downside was an injury to Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, who was stretchered off late in extra time after colliding with Wubben-Moy. As winners, Arsenal pocket US$2.3 million—the highest prize in women’s club football—boosting their resources amid the English Women’s Super League season. Little noted the focus would soon shift: “We will celebrate this one... then most of the focus will change pretty immediately onto our next league game next weekend against Manchester City.”
Corinthians coach Lucas Piccinato expressed disappointment: “We wanted to give our fans their dream to be world champions... We will never forget playing the European champions in their own home.” The tournament, held in January, favored Arsenal’s in-season form over Corinthians’ preseason and Gotham’s off-season, drawing some criticism for home advantage but praised for global exposure, with over one million Brazilian viewers.
