General
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ – the first tournament of its kind to bring together champion clubs from every continental confederation, has reached its closing stages. The competition will culminate on February 1 in London, as European champions Arsenal face South American champions SC Corinthians for the trophy at the Arsenal Stadium.
The Semi-Finals delivered drama and dominance in equal measure. Brazilian giants SC Corinthians secured a surprise 1–0 victory over NWSL title-holders Gotham FC, while Arsenal WFC produced a commanding 6–0 win against Morocco’s ASFAR Rabat to book their place in the final.
Based on those Semi-Final performances, She’s A Baller has selected a dream combined starting XI for the final – showcasing the standout talent from both SC Corinthians and Arsenal WFC ahead of a historic showdown.
Goalkeeper – Letícia Izidoro Lima da Silva (SC Corinthians)
Often referred to as simply Lelê, the Brazilian shot-stopper is in her second spell for Corinthians after originally playing from 2016-2021 and rejoining in 2022. She pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep her side in the semi-final against the NWSL firm favourites and ensured Gotham’s goal scoring opportunities were kept to a minimum with her strong defensive line held in command. Her sharp eye for the ball along with plentiful experience will ensure that any opponent who aims to find the back of the net will embark on no easy feat.
Right Back – Taylor Hinds (Arsenal WFC)
Hinds has slotted in perfectly to Arsenal WFC’s robust defensive set up, after making the switch from Liverpool in Summer 2025 where she played as vice-captain. Already closing in on 20 appearances just over halfway through her first season with the European champions, her flexibility in defensive positions makes her a strong candidate for any starting 11, including internationally for England where she recently received her first senior call up. Hinds came on in the 60th minute against ASFAR and worked hard to ensure the African champions continued to have minimal time in attacking positions.
Centre Back – Letícia Teles (SC Corinthians)
Despite not playing a competitive club fixture in 4 months, the CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina winners held a fortress at the backline and refused to gift Gotham FC any real opportunity to score their highly anticipated – and almost expected- goals in Wednesday’s semi-final. Teles found herself in the coveted starting position at centre back due to squad injuries and excelled in the opportunity to show exactly why she deserves a regular starting spot, with an impressive level of intensity and focus throughout the 90 minutes.
Centre Back– Thías Ferreira(SC Corinthians)
The second half of the dynamic centre back partnership came in the form of Thías Ferreira, who maintained an imposing back line display and executed the crucial responsibilities of defensive blocks and aerial dominance, particularly against the formidable Rose Lavelle. With the 29-year-old having played in her home country for most of her career, her sturdy presence on the pitch and technical prowess makes for a brick wall at the backline. Ferreira is a player that will be pushing for the chance to showcase her right to earn a starting callup when Brazil hosts the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Left Back –Tamires Cássia Dias de Britto (SC Corinthians)
Having earned over 150 caps for club and similar figures for the country, the hardy Brazilian left back has been a vital part of SC Corinthians’ set up since 2019 and is a key figure in a starting lineup. Despite her predominantly defensive role on the pitch, Tamires has netted plenty of goals for her team and offered the all-important semi-final assist, proving herself to be a versatile left back who can attack high into the opposition’s box. After her team’s monumental win, she expressed “this was a long-standing dream… to prove once again how much we deserve to be a reference in this entire world”.
Midfield – Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal WFC)
The Spanish sensation is arguably one of Arsenal WFC’s brightest talents and is a much sought after addition to any midfield setup. With her consistent attacking expertise and composure in high pressure moments, Caldentey shows time again exactly why she was ranked 2nd in the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or. An exceptional first season at the London side after a decade in Barcelona saw her score 19 goals with 10 assists and was awarded WSL Player of the Season for 2024/25. It was no surprise to see her name on the semi-final scoresheet, as she calmly slotted home a first-half penalty to bring her side plenty of goal magic.
Midfield – Frida Maanum (Arsenal WFC)
A superb finish from Maanum in the 11th minute of Arsenal WFC’s semi-final seen them assert early dominance on the African champions which remained the storyline for the entirety of the fixture. Since joining Arsenal WFC, Maanum has become easily recognised for her ability to press deep on the opposition and score bangers, and she displays a level of commitment, drive and consistent product that makes her a crucial component within a starting lineup. The central attacking midfielder comes to life in the attacking third and her pace is sure to test even the most resilient of opposition players.
Midfield – Duda Sampaio (SC Corinthians)
Duda is a solid starter, bagging close to 80 appearances for her club since joining in 2023. Despite Gotham controlling possession for long periods of play, SC Corinthians’ heavy-duty midfield allowed them to obtain more clear-cut chances throughout the semi-final and eventually find the back of the net in the 83rd minute. The trademark flair of Brazilian football shines through Duda, and her style of play on the field allows her to create magic in her linkups with teammates in attack and can confidently grab a couple of goals herself.
Forward – Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal WFC)
Arsenal have a host of big names fighting for the green light in starting lineups, one of which being the esteemed Swedish striker who frequently finds herself on the scoresheet. An intelligent and ruthless forward, Blackstenius is a vital leader in attack and has on many occasions gifted crucial goals for her club and country, perhaps most notably the single goal in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final that delivered Arsenal their glory. She opened the goal scoring tally in the opening minutes of their FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ semi-final and will undoubtedly be hungry to find the back of the net again in the final.
Forward – Alessia Russo (Arsenal WFC)
England’s number 9 has cemented herself as such an integral part of Arsenal WFC’s squad that it is hard to remember she has only been there since 2023. Last season she was joint winner of the WSL Golden Boot Award and enjoyed an abundant summer of football achieving both UEFA Women’s Champions League success with her club and back-to-back Euro titles with England, which seen her selected as 3rd place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards. Despite only coming on as a second half substitute in the semi-final, Russo found the back of the net twice, emphasising just how much of an instant impact she can make.
Forward – Gabi Zanotti (SC Corinthians)
Star girl for her beloved Corinthians, it was destined to be that captain Zanotti would be the single decisive factor that booked the South American side a surprise place in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ final. The nearly 41-year-old rattled NWSL goalkeeping giant Ann-Katrin Berger by slotting home a beautifully placed low strike on goal in the 83rd minute, which would prove to be the only goal of the game. Having been at the club since 2018, the Brazilian maestro has been hailed a hero by fans and her semi-final performance is a wonderful reminder that age is simply a number, and success knows no bounds on the biggest of stages.
All roads now lead to the Final. On Sunday 1 February, Arsenal Stadium sets the stage for a historic finale as CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina champions SC Corinthians go head-to-head with UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal Women FC. Kick-off is set for 6pm GMT (3pm BRT), with the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ title on the line following the third-place play-off earlier in the day.
🎟️ Tickets are still available HERE – don’t miss your chance to witness history at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™.