Arthur Elias has named his 18 player Brazil squad for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Since women’s football was introduced into the Olympics in 1996, Brazil have qualified for all editions of the tournament. Despite the nation’s rich football history, the side have never won Olympic gold in the women’s football category.

Brazil kick off their Olympic campaign at the Bordeaux Stadium on July 25, facing Nigeria in their first game of Group C. Their opening game will see Nigeria feature in their first Olympic games since exiting the tournament in the group stages in 2008.

Also appearing in Group C is Japan, led by head coach Futoshi Ikeda. Japan are no stranger to Olympic Women’s Football, winning the silver medal at London 2012. In 2020, Japan made it to the quarter final of the tournament, before losing to Sweden. Brazil have previously met Japan in April 2024, as the teams went head to head in the SheBelieves Cup third place playoff. With the scoreline 1-1 after extra time, Brazil took the third place spot after winning the penalty shoot out 3-0, with the Brazilian goalkeeper saving all Japan’s penalties from the spot.

Brazil’s final group stage game sees them face current World Champions and first place holder in the World Rankings- Spain. Paris 2024 marks Spain’s first time qualifying for the Olympic Games, to the surprise of many. The Spanish Women’s National Team have seen great success in their past competitive campaigns, lifting the World Cup in 2023. Spain also became the first ever Women’s Nations League Champions in 2024, defeating France 2-0 in the final. 

Marta’s Sixth Olympics

Brazil’s top goalscorer Marta features in the Brazil squad for her sixth Olympics. In her Olympic History, Marta has picked up two silver medals at the games, being part of both the 2004 and 2008 Brazil teams to be defeated in the final by the United States.

Brazil Manager Arthur Elias commented on her inclusion in the squad saying, “She brings a lot to the table, she’s the greatest athlete of all time.” As the Orlando Pride player gears up for her last chance to win Olympic gold, Brazil could also win their first Women’s Football Gold in the Paris 2024 edition of the games.

The 38 year old forward has scored 118 goals for her country in 183 appearances, holding a wealth of experience on the International Stage, including participation in six World Cups. 

Prior to the 2024 Olympics, Marta announced in April that after the tournament she would be retiring from International Football. The women’s game bid farewell to a true legend of the international stage following the approaching fortnight of action.

Notable Omissions

Brazil have gone through a noticeable transition since Arthur Elias was appointed as head coach in September 2023, evident through the omissions from the squad in comparison to Pia Sundhage’s 2023 World Cup Squad.

A notable omission from the squad is Debinha. The forward has appeared in multiple tournaments for her country, including the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, multiple World Cup inclusions, and most recently the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in February of 2024. Despite featuring for Brazil in the last international window, Debinha will not feature in Brazil’s 2024 Olympic Squad.

Manchester United’s Geyse also did not make the squad. The forward made 26 appearances for Manchester United during the 2023/24 season, and has made 5 appearances for Brazil in 2024.

Experienced International Cristiane is left out of the Brazil squad for a second year in a row, after not being included in the 2023 World Cup squad. Cristiane has scored 96 international goals in 153 appearances, and was part of both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Squads to win Silver at the games. Cristiane has featured in Brazil squads in 2024, including scoring one of three penalties to win Brazil third place in the SheBelieves Cup.