FIFA Master Alumni - Where are they now? - Sthefânia Vieira de Lacerda
Sthefânia Vieira de Lacerda
Current position: Supervisor of the Brazilian Women’s National Team at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)
Year of graduation: 2015 (15th Edition)
Nationality: Brazilian
What does your current role involve?
My career in sport has been built through over a decade of experience working at major international competitions and events, collaborating with organisations such as FIFA and CONMEBOL, starting as a volunteer. I have had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of tournaments, including FIFA World Cups, youth competitions, futsal events and continental championships. Throughout this journey, I have worked across different functional areas such as competition, venue management, team services, media operations and broadcast coordination, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of the operational complexity behind delivering world-class sporting events.
Currently, I am living a great experience to be Supervisor of the Brazilian Women’s National Team at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). In this role, I am responsible for executing all operational and logistical aspects of the team’s activities including tournaments, friendly matches and training camps. My responsibilities include managing travel logistics, accommodation, training sites, stadium requirements and coordination of equipment and delegation needs. I also play a role in the preparation process for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, contributing to planning and operational readiness. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team, I focus on ensuring seamless execution and delivering high standards in all team operations, as well as overseeing post-event reporting and financial processes.
Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?
The global network of the FIFA Master has been one of the most valuable assets in my professional journey. Being part of such a strong and diverse alumni community has allowed me to build meaningful connections across the sports industry, opening doors and creating opportunities worldwide. Even today, I continue to collaborate and exchange experiences with fellow alumni in different organisations and countries.
Another key aspect was the multicultural teaching environment. My class was composed of twenty-eight students from twenty-one nationalities, which created a unique and enriching experience for me. Living and studying in Leicester, Milan and Neuchâtel exposed me to different academic systems and cultural perspectives, which significantly shaped my adaptability and way of working in international contexts.
On a personal level, the FIFA Master was also a journey of resilience. Coming from the interior of Brazil, it was my first experience studying abroad and I faced challenges related to language, academic methods and different evaluation systems. I still remember struggling with my first exam, which was very different from what I was used to. However, the support I received from the programme and the understanding of diverse backgrounds helped me grow, adapt and ultimately succeed. This experience taught me confidence and perseverance, which I carry with me to this day.
What advice would you give to future students?
Do not let your background define your limits. Dare to dream big and embrace challenges, even when they seem intimidating. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning from mistakes. The FIFA Master is a unique opportunity, and those who make the most of it are the ones who stay resilient, open-minded and willing to evolve both personally and professionally.
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked Europe's No.1 course a record 13 times by SportBusiness.
Organised by CIES in cooperation with De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
"CIES, 30+ years of impacting how sport is managed worldwide" & "FIFA Master, 25+ years of Excellence in Sport Business Education"
