The use of social media in the career development of female futsal athletes

Social media plays a crucial role in the sports world by enabling interaction, promotion, and engagement, offering various advantages for career development and holding significant meaning in athletes' lives. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the influence of social media use on the career development of female athletes, with a specific focus on futsal players. Employing a qualitative-quantitative approach, a questionnaire was used to understand how athletes perceive the impact of social media on their sports trajectories. The results revealed that although most athletes use social media as a professional tool, only one has a dedicated professional to manage her social media presence. Additionally, sponsorship agreements are predominantly based on barter arrangements, which do not involve monetary compensation and, consequently, hinder professional career development. It is concluded that investment in training and structural support is essential to maximize the benefits of these platforms.