Rafaela Pimenta: Football’s Most Influential Woman

Rafaela Pimenta has never raced across a football pitch, scored a match-winning goal, or devised tactical plans from the dugout. Yet, at 53, the Brazilian agent has become the only football personality to feature in Forbes’ 2026 ‘Fifty Over Fifty’ list, an annual recognition of fifty extraordinary women whose impact and leadership set them apart globally.

Alongside the likes of Oscar-winning actress Penélope Cruz and Canterbury’s first female Archbishop, Dame Sarah Mullally, Pimenta represents football on this prestigious list as the sport’s first female ‘super agent’. Her roster includes some of the game’s biggest names: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Liverpool coach Arne Slot, and 17-year-old Mexican prodigy Gilberto Moro.

Speaking candidly to BBC Sport following her inclusion in Forbes’ list, Pimenta offered insights into the modern transfer market and the challenges women face in football. She spoke at length about the power imbalance between clubs and players in today’s transfer windows:

“Clubs have amassed far too much power. Players often find themselves trapped by circumstances. I do not want chaos; football needs a functioning transfer system, but there must be balance. Every transfer window, someone ends up in tears. A player wants to move, but the club demands another £1 million.”

Pimenta emphasised how the sport has shifted from a human-centred environment to a business-focused model:

“Previously, football was more personal. Players could speak to directors or owners, and solutions were found. Now, players are treated as assets, with no voice, no feelings, no human needs. The challenge is balancing assets and people.”

The complexity of transfers has grown exponentially. Pimenta recalls sitting 18 hours behind closed doors to finalise one deal—an impossibility today, with contracts prepared months in advance, while navigating employment law, taxation, and local regulations. Players now operate like mini-companies, and off-field opportunities are vast. Haaland, for instance, runs a YouTube channel with over 1.28 million subscribers, illustrating players’ increased autonomy.

Pimenta’s career began working with the controversial agent Mino Raiola, and many believe she assumed his position after his death in 2020. Yet she has always forged her own path:

“Mino once said I was the only person who would not just chase money blindly. I thought the partnership would last five minutes. It endured thirty-five years.”

Her journey as a woman in football has not been easy. Decision-making roles were historically male-dominated, with few women like Chelsea’s Marina Granovskaia receiving recognition. Pimenta also spoke out against misconduct in football, citing the conviction of Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish FA president, for sexual harassment following an incident with 2023 Women’s World Cup captain Jenni Hermoso.

Finally, addressing women in football, Pimenta offered an inspiring message:

“Many assume women know less, or treat them with bias. I fight not for myself, but for the next generation. I teach UEFA agent courses, guide young women, and tell them: never accept harassment.”

Selected Clients of Rafaela Pimenta: