Portugal Women’s Team Ready for Euro 2025 After Remarkable Journey

According to FIFA, Portugal’s women’s national team has come a long way since its formation in 1981 — a remarkable transformation from a neglected team into a rising force in European women’s football.

Under the leadership of Francisco Neto, who has managed the team for 11 years, Portugal has achieved historic success by qualifying for three consecutive major tournaments — including the upcoming Euro 2025 in Switzerland.

The team’s journey reached a turning point with their first Euro qualification in 2017, followed by an impressive World Cup 2023 performance that included a victory over Vietnam and a surprising draw against the United States.

• Professional players increased from 41 in 2018 to over 220
• League investment tripled since 2019
• Domestic Cup prize money increased eightfold in three years

“We know we are not dominant in women’s football, but we are growing,” said Neto after the 2023 World Cup.

Despite losing Kika Nazareth to an ankle injury and the possible absence of Jessica Silva, Portugal remains optimistic about advancing from Euro 2025’s Group B containing Spain, Belgium, and Italy — an achievement that would be the team’s highest accomplishment to date.