Anticipation is building as the final stages of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ draw ever closer. Four continental title winners are set to battle it out in London in the inaugural edition of the groundbreaking new tournament.
The semi-finals will be held on Wednesday, 28 January, when English giants Arsenal face Morocco’s dominant force, ASFAR. In the other last-four tie, Brazilian powerhouses Corinthians will face a star-studded Gotham FC outfit. The final and the play-off for third place and will take place on Sunday, 1 February.
Here, FIFA shines the spotlight on the captains set to lead their teams at the competition. Which of these skippers will be the first to get their hands on the coveted new trophy?
Kim Little – Arsenal
An exceptional all-round footballer, 35-year-old Little remains an inspirational figure for Arsenal. Formerly a deadly goalscoring No10, in the latter years of her career she has flourished in a deeper midfield role, utilising her technique, experience and elite football intelligence to help her team control matches. Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson has described Little as an “unbelievable” player who is “worthy of seven of eight Champions League titles”.
Did you know?
Little made her senior Scotland debut at the age of just 16 in February 2007 in a friendly against Japan. She went on to win 140 caps, scoring 59 goals, before retiring from international football in 2021.
In her words…
“To lift another trophy with Arsenal would be amazing. It’s not something that happens very often where you play against teams from different continents. It’s special and we look forward to that. Being in a leadership role, it’s very much about maintaining the consistency, the level of work ethic, and our level of connection and communication. That ultimately, with all the talent we have, is what allows us to reach our optimal performance.”
Najat Badri – ASFAR
An ASFAR legend, Badri has been with the club since 2013 and won a host of major trophies. The 37-year-old’s honours list includes 12 Moroccan league titles and two CAF Women’s Champions League triumphs. A calm and composed midfielder, she leads by example for her side. Badri is also capable of chipping in with vital goals and assists.
Did you know?
Badri was part of the Morocco team which qualified for the nation’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ at Australia & New Zealand 2023. The Atlas Lionesses were one of eight sides who made their debuts at that edition – and were the only one of those who made it to the knockout phase.
In her words…
“We’re taking this (the Women’s Champions Cup) very seriously and we’ll be looking to make history. We want to achieve something special, leave our mark on the tournament and finish on a high. What we achieve will leave a mark that will inspire future generations.”
Tamires – Corinthians
One of the finest full-backs of her generation, the evergreen Tamires is out to write another chapter in her glittering career at the Women’s Champions Cup. Tough and resilient, the 38-year-old is renowned for her tactical awareness and one-on-one defending. Tamires also regularly contributes to Corinthians’ attacks, with her vision and creativity making her a valuable asset in the final third.
Did you know?
Tamires has won more than 150 caps for Brazil. Only legendary trio Cristiane, Formiga and Marta have made more appearances for the national team.
In her words…
“All these years, Corinthians have dreamt of an intercontinental tournament – it’s motivated us every single day. Now it’s finally happening. We’re over the moon. Once again, Corinthians will be able to show what we’re capable of. We’ve already become the benchmark in South America; now we want to be the global benchmark.”
Tierna Davidson/Mandy Freeman – Gotham FC
A superb ball-playing centre-back, club captain Davidson has been out of action since suffering an ACL injury in March. The 27-year-old has returned to team training activities but may not be ready to feature in London. Even if she is unable to take to the field, however, her motivational qualities will ensure she plays an important role off the pitch. Experienced defender Freeman has stepped up admirably in Davidson’s absence, wearing the armband in Gotham’s Concacaf W Champions Cup final win and their NWSL Championship triumph. Classy and consistent, the 30-year-old predominately operates at right-back but has also impressed as a central defender.
Did you know?
As a child, Davidson dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Before eventually attending Stanford University – where she played for soccer team Stanford Cardinal – she even explored going to colleges with aerospace courses. Freeman, meanwhile, studied psychology at the University of Southern California. She joined Gotham, then called Sky Blue FC, in the 2017 college draft and is the club’s longest-serving player.
In their words…
Davidson: “I have been able to start integrating back in with team training and be more with the girls day to day, which has been such a blessing. Though I might not be on the field during this tournament, I’m excited to see how this build-up into this tournament goes for myself personally and for the team. I’m excited to cheer my team-mates on and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting two wins in the tournament.”
Freeman: “This competition is huge. Being at Gotham, you want to be the best and you want to excel. To be the best, you have to play the best. Being in this competition allows us to test our mettle against great teams from other countries. This is where we want to be, competing to win another trophy. That’s the standard here at Gotham.”
