Pecohub Arsenal Women have made history, securing the largest financial prize in women’s club football after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Brazilian underdogs Corinthians in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Sunday.
The European champions, playing in front of over 25,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium, were pushed to their limits before Caitlin Foord’s winner sealed the £1.8 million payout (approximately $2.3 million USD). This sum dwarfs the €500,000 Arsenal received for winning last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Despite being firm favourites in the tournament, which pitted the champions of six continents against each other, Arsenal faced a resilient Corinthians side.
The Brazilians had already caused an upset by defeating US champions Gotham FC in the semi-finals.
Olivia Smith’s early opener for Arsenal was quickly cancelled out by Gabi Zanotti. England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal’s lead, but Corinthians snatched a dramatic injury-time equaliser through Vic Albuquerque’s penalty after Gisela Robledo was fouled.
However, Arsenal’s superior squad depth told in extra time, with Foord’s near-post strike finally breaking Corinthians’ resolve.
