Cruzeiro secured a $2 million payout—equivalent to roughly 10.8 million Brazilian reais—alongside the championship trophy after defeating Corinthians in a penalty shootout following a 4-4 draw in the Women’s Copa Libertadores final.
How Cruzeiro Claimed the Title in Quito
The decisive match unfolded at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito on October 31, 2026. Cruzeiro fell behind 3-0 early in the fixture before staging a dramatic comeback to level the score at 4-4. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Minas Gerais side prevailed 5-4 to capture the continental crown for the first time in club history.
The victory carried added significance given the historical head-to-head record between the two Brazilian clubs. Across 18 prior meetings, Corinthians had claimed 12 victories, alongside three draws and three wins for Cruzeiro.
Financial Stakes and the Runner-Up Payout
Corinthians earned $600,000—approximately 3.2 million reais—for finishing as the tournament runner-up. The prize money arrives at a critical juncture for the São Paulo club, which has faced significant institutional and financial strain throughout the 2026 season.
É DAS CABULOSAS 🦊 – O Cruzeiro venceu o Corinthians nos pênaltis por 5 a 4 e conquistou o título inédito da Copa Libertadores Feminina 2026. Na grande decisão disputada no Estádio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, em Quito, no Equador, as Cabulosas fizeram história em sua primeira… pic.twitter.com/eFZWPSjaGk
The financial turbulence at Corinthians directly impacted the women’s football department. Players experienced delayed payments of salaries and image rights over the course of the campaign, prompting members of the squad to visit the Parque São Jorge social headquarters to confront Osmar Stábile directly regarding outstanding bonus payments tied to pre-set performance targets.
A Challenging Season for Corinthians
The defeat in Quito compounded a frustrating year for the club. Having previously claimed the Copa Libertadores in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Corinthians entered the match seeking a seventh title.
Instead, the runner-up finish marked the team’s fourth vice of 2026. Prior to the continental final, the club lost the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup to Arsenal, the Supercopa Feminina to Palmeiras, and the Brasileirão to São Paulo.
The Road Ahead in the Campeonato Paulista
Following the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores, Corinthians retains one remaining opportunity to secure silverware in the 2026 calendar. The squad remains active in the Campeonato Paulista, where the team advanced to the competition’s semifinal stage.
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