Arsenal claimed the biggest financial prize in the history of women’s club football by beating Corinthians 3–2 after extra time to win the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Sunday.
The European champions edged past the Brazilian underdogs thanks to a decisive strike from Caitlin Foord, earning a payout of $2.3 million.
The sum is almost four times the €500,000 ($590,000) Arsenal received for winning last season’s Women’s Champions League.
The Gunners went into the final as clear favourites to lift the trophy, which brought together champions from six continents for the first time.
However, Corinthians — who had stunned US champions Gotham FC in Wednesday’s semi-final — pushed Arsenal to the limit in front of more than 25,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium.
Olivia Smith gave Arsenal an early lead, but it was quickly cancelled out by Gabi Zanotti. England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal’s advantage, and celebrations were already beginning around the ground when Corinthians struck a dramatic equaliser deep into injury time.
Vic Albuquerque calmly converted a penalty after Gisela Robledo was tripped inside the area.
Arsenal’s greater depth eventually told in extra time, as Foord squeezed a shot in at the near post to finally break Corinthians’ resistance and seal the historic victory.
