Leila Pereira, the president of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, stands as a unique figure in the landscape of Brazilian and global football. As the only female president among the 32 clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, she recognizes the historical weight of her position. "I'm very proud of that, but I hope to see other women [in the role] in the future. I hope I can be an example to inspire women to fight for their place in football – nothing is handed to us on a plate, we all know that,” she told FIFA in a recent interview. Pereira's journey to the top echelons of football management is one of ambition, strategic vision, and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo.
Pereira wasn't always a football enthusiast. Unlike many who dedicate their lives to the sport from a young age, her involvement began later in life, solidifying after meeting her husband and discovering her passion for Palmeiras. She often cites Jean-Paul Sartre, saying "existence precedes essence," meaning people exist first before becoming what they are destined to be. This perspective underlines her belief that her path was not predetermined but forged through experience and dedication.
Since assuming the presidency in December 2021, Pereira has overseen a period of unprecedented success for Palmeiras. The club has secured numerous titles, including the Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Brasileiro, and Recopa Sudamericana. This success has not only solidified Palmeiras' position as a dominant force in South American football but has also underscored Pereira's leadership capabilities. As president, she became the first female president in history of the club to win six titles in two seasons: the CONMEBOL Recopa of 2022, the Paulistas Championships of 2022 and 2023, the Brazilian Championships of 2022 and 2023, and the Supercopa do Brasil of 2023.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Pereira is acutely aware of the symbolic importance of her role. She actively champions the cause of women in football, a traditionally male-dominated arena. "More than representing this huge club, I want to be a source of inspiration for many girls because in my time, there was really no one," Pereira stated. She aims to break down long-standing prejudices and demonstrate that women are not only capable but also excel in leadership positions within the sport. She noted that some still say that women do not understand anything about football, so if they understood something there, imagine how many titles they would have won.
Pereira's influence extends beyond club football. In March 2024, she served as the head of delegation for the Brazilian men's national team. This appointment marked a significant milestone, making her the first woman to hold such a position. She emphasizes the challenges women face in achieving similar recognition and opportunities, stating, "Everything is more difficult for a woman. Everything."
Despite her accomplishments, Pereira faces her share of criticism. She acknowledges the double standards she encounters, noting that when Palmeiras wins, the credit often goes to the players and coach, but when the team loses, she bears the brunt of the blame. In response to what she views as "structural machismo," Pereira held a press conference exclusively for female journalists in January 2024, highlighting the limited opportunities and exclusion women often experience. She firmly defends her decisions, emphasizing that player signings are determined by the coach and technical committee, not by public opinion.
Looking ahead, Pereira remains focused on sustaining Palmeiras' success and promoting gender equality in sports. She hopes her journey will inspire other women to pursue their ambitions in football and other fields, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. As Palmeiras prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Pereira's leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards further glory, both on and off the pitch. She guarantees that Palmeiras will fight to the very end to win the trophy. In her own words, "When life passes you the ball, you need to be a centre-forward, to shoot at goal and to score. And I don't miss the goal. When life presents me with an opportunity, I hit it hard and I score."
