Who is the Game-Changing Female Super Agent Revolutionizing Football?

Rafaela Pimenta, Brazilian football's first female super agent, has made history as the only representative from the sport to feature in Forbes' '50 over 50' list for 2026. While she has never played or managed a team, Pimenta has built an impressive portfolio, representing high-profile clients like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Her insights into the current transfer system highlight the challenges players face and the need for balance between their human needs and their status as business assets.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the football transfer window approaches its deadline, Rafaela Pimenta's voice has emerged as a critical perspective on the current state of player transfers. She argues that players often find themselves in situations where their wishes are disregarded by clubs, leading to emotional distress. With her unique position as a leading female agent, Pimenta's thoughts resonate in a sport that is still grappling with gender inequalities and systemic issues. Her call for a reformed transfer system that respects players' humanity is gaining traction among industry stakeholders.

Key takeaways

Pimenta is the only football representative in Forbes' '50 over 50' list for 2026.
She advocates for reforms to the current football transfer system to empower players.
Pimenta highlights the rampant gender inequality within football and aims to support future female professionals.
Her client roster includes top talents like Erling Haaland and Arne Slot.
She stresses the importance of balancing business interests with the emotional needs of players.

Timeline: how we got here

A timeline of key milestones related to Rafaela Pimenta and her career in football illustrates the evolution of women's roles in the sport and the ongoing challenges faced:

April 2020: Mino Raiola passes away; Pimenta, who previously worked with him, continues to rise as a leading football agent.
October 2024: The Court of Justice of the European Union rules that FIFA's transfer rules violate EU laws, prompting changes in the transfer system.
January 2026: Forbes publishes its '50 over 50' list, featuring Pimenta as the only football representative.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Pimenta's recent statements regarding the emotional toll of the current transfer system and her call for reforms highlight the urgent need for change within football. She emphasises that clubs hold too much power, often leaving players feeling like "hostages" in their careers.

What was already established

Since her early career, Pimenta has faced significant challenges as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Her experiences, including encountering prejudice and gender bias, have shaped her resolve to advocate for equality in football.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing discussions about player welfare and transfer systems have implications for UK football fans. As clubs navigate these challenges, the potential for player movements may affect team compositions and ultimately, match outcomes that fans follow closely.

Businesses and jobs

As the transfer system evolves, clubs may face pressures to adapt their recruitment and management strategies. This could lead to shifts in how agents operate and how players are valued within organisations, impacting job security and opportunities across the football sector.

Policy and regulation

With FIFA's recent rulings prompting changes in transfer processes, UK clubs and governing bodies must stay attuned to legislative developments to ensure compliance and to foster a fairer playing field for players. Upcoming consultations regarding player rights and transfer regulations will be critical to watch.

Numbers that matter

1: Rafaela Pimenta is the only football figure in Forbes' '50 over 50' list for 2026.
1.28 million: Subscribers to Erling Haaland's YouTube channel, showcasing the modern athlete's media presence.
35 years: Duration of Pimenta's career in football, highlighting her longevity and success.
1: The number of women in a football director role at a top club, illustrating the gender imbalance in leadership positions.
18: Hours Pimenta spent in negotiations for a transfer, reflecting the complexities of modern football deals.

Definitions and jargon buster

Super agent: A highly influential football agent who represents elite players and often plays a significant role in negotiations and transfers.
Transfer window: A designated period during which football clubs can buy, sell, or loan players.
FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the governing body for football worldwide, responsible for overseeing international competitions and regulations.
Gender inequality: The unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender, particularly prevalent in professional environments.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Stakeholders in football should closely monitor developments regarding the transfer system as the current window approaches its conclusion. Pimenta's advocacy may prompt discussions among clubs and governing bodies regarding player rights and welfare.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As FIFA implements changes based on recent rulings, the impact on the transfer system may become clearer. Clubs and agents will need to adapt to new regulations and ensure compliance while addressing the emotional and professional needs of players.

Signals to watch

Changes in FIFA regulations regarding transfers and player rights.
Responses from clubs to Pimenta's calls for reform in the transfer system.
Emergence of more women in leadership positions within football organisations.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about changes in transfer regulations and player rights.
Engage with football advocacy groups focused on gender equality.
Support initiatives that promote female representation in sports leadership.

Don’t

Ignore the emotional well-being of players during transfer negotiations.
Underestimate the impact of gender bias in football.
Assume the transfer system is static; be prepared for changes.

Checklist

Keep track of upcoming transfer windows and their significance.
Follow developments regarding FIFA's new regulations.
Monitor the rise of women in key football roles.
Engage with media discussing player welfare and rights.
Support campaigns advocating for fairness in football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The football industry remains in a state of flux, particularly in terms of how player transfers are managed and regulated. While recent rulings indicate a shift towards greater player rights, the actual implementation and long-term effects of these changes are still uncertain. Additionally, entrenched gender biases persist, and overcoming them will be a gradual process requiring sustained effort from both men and women in the sport.

Bottom line

Pimenta's ascent in the football world as a leading agent underscores the importance of women's representation and advocacy in a male-dominated industry. As the transfer system evolves, the need for balance between the business aspects of football and the emotional needs of players becomes increasingly urgent. With ongoing changes on the horizon, there is hope for a more equitable future in the sport.

FAQs

Why is Rafaela Pimenta significant in football?

Rafaela Pimenta is significant as the first female super agent in football, representing high-profile players and advocating for reforms to support player welfare and equality in the sport.

What are Pimenta's views on the current transfer system?

Pimenta believes the current transfer system gives too much power to clubs, often disregarding players' needs and emotional well-being. She calls for a more balanced approach.

How has Pimenta contributed to gender equality in football?

Pimenta actively advocates for women's representation in football, sharing her experiences to inspire and support other women entering the industry, seeking to dismantle gender biases.