Palmeiras President Leila Pereira: ‘I Fought for This. I Hope My Fight Inspires Others’
São Paulo, Brazil – July 12, 2025 — In a heartfelt and widely celebrated statement, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has declared, “I fought for this. I hope my fight inspires others,” highlighting her journey as one of the most influential figures in Brazilian football and the first female club president to lead a team at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Leila Pereira’s leadership has been pivotal to Palmeiras’ rise both domestically and internationally. Since assuming presidency in 2021, she has guided the club to multiple Campeonato Brasileiro titles and steered them to global competitions, all while championing gender equality, financial reform, and youth development.
“Being here at this level wasn’t easy,” Pereira said in a recent interview. “I faced challenges and prejudice that many women in leadership still experience. But I knew Palmeiras deserved more—and I was going to fight for it.”
A Trailblazer in Brazilian Football
Leila Pereira, a successful businesswoman and owner of the Crefisa financial group, broke the mold in 2021 when she became Palmeiras’ first female president in the club’s 100-year history. Under her administration, Palmeiras maintained financial discipline, signed top talents like Endrick, Estêvão, and Facundo Torres, and continued its dominance in Brazil’s top flight.
Her visibility at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup made global headlines, not just for her club’s competitive run, but for her vocal stance on inclusion and equity.
“Football is not a man’s world. It’s for everyone. I hope my presence here shows young girls and women that they, too, can lead, build, and succeed.”
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Pereira’s story resonates beyond football. Her success is a symbol of female empowerment in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Her work with Palmeiras’ youth academy and infrastructure development—alongside promoting diversity in club management—has set a new standard in Brazilian sports governance.
Her visibility is also influencing other clubs in Brazil and across South America to consider more inclusive leadership practices.
Looking Ahead
As Palmeiras prepares for another Brasileirão campaign and anticipates further international competitions, Pereira has reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining the club’s winning culture without compromising values.
“We will keep fighting—for victories on the pitch and for progress off it.”
Her statement, “I hope my fight inspires others,” has quickly become a rallying cry among fans and advocates, positioning her not only as a football executive but as a broader icon for social change.
