Podcast Summary: BFFR with Sydney Leroux & Ali Riley

Episode: Duda Pavão reacts to 2025 NWSL Awards, Growth of the League & Marta's influence
Hosts: Sydney Leroux (not present this episode), Ali Riley
Guest: Duda Pavão
Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This special glammed-up episode of BFFR sees Ali Riley and renowned soccer content creator Duda Pavão (joining live from San Jose just after the 2025 NWSL Awards) break down the explosive growth of women’s soccer, the shifting culture in the NWSL, recent league awards, and the transformative presence of international stars—most notably Marta's role in inspiring Brazilian talent. The tone is unfiltered, lively, and distinctly supportive of women’s football, with lots of inside jokes, vivid behind-the-scenes stories, and authentic admiration for the players.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. The Growth & Changing Landscape of NWSL

• Televised Awards Show: The hosts marvel at the league’s progress, particularly noting that the league now commands national TV attention for its awards—“We couldn't even get our games on TV, let alone an awards show.” (Ali, 00:44)
• Comparison to the Past: Duda reflects on her early days with Orlando Pride (2020) doing all her content creation solo, and contrasts it with today’s star-studded, well-funded events and abundant partnerships.
  • “When we met, I was running around shooting all the content… now, to see the growth and how insane this week is… It’s just unbelievable.” (Duda, 03:44)

2. Behind the Scenes at the 2025 NWSL Awards

• The Blue Carpet Experience: Both detail the buzz and chaos of the event, with funny anecdotes about outfit choices, last-minute photo ops, and how players “bottlenecked” at the carpet for photos.
  • “Every—you dress up, you want to take a photo on the carpet… But only a few at a time would come on and talk.” (Ali, 07:50; 08:21)
• Lauren Holiday Impact Award: Emotional reactions to Sam Hyatt’s win for her community involvement, particularly her connection to Candlelighters Oregon (supporting families facing childhood cancer).
  • “Her family was so proud of her… That’s… my favorite part of this week. Recognizing the players as people, making a difference, using their platform.” (Ali, 06:10)
  • “It was very close to her heart because her brother was diagnosed with cancer in 2020.” (Duda, 10:32)
  • Notable: Nationwide donated $50,000 to Candlelighters.

3. Players’ Humility and Award Results

• On-Stage Surprises: The humility and authenticity of the award winners was striking. “They’re so humble… was not surprised at all that Temo[wa] was MVP again. And she was just like, I’m shocked. I’m shocked.” (Ali, 11:41)
• Recognition of Defensive Talent: Praise for Tara Mikhyon (Defender of the Year) and Bev Yanez (for overachieving with Louisville), as well as the overall fairness of this year’s picks.

4. Analysis: Why Kansas City Current Was So Good

• Both comment on KC Current’s success, with five players in the Best XI. Duda identifies their resilience:
  • “It reminded me of a team that, it doesn’t matter if they have a bad game, they’re still gonna win.” (Duda, 14:05)
• Team management, fan support, and key signings (especially Brazilian stars like Lorena) are all cited as factors.

5. International Influence: Brazilians & Japanese Players

• Ali points out a shift in league style, crediting the injection of skill from international stars:
  • “The Brazilians and the Japanese players… have made such a huge impact… Their control, their joy, and freedom.” (Ali, 16:47)
• Marta’s Role as Trailblazer:
  • “She’s the best name from Brazil to come play… She opened the doors for so many Brazilian players.” (Duda, 18:10)
• Coaching Styles Matter:
  • Duda stresses: Brazilian success is tied to getting the right coaches who embrace technical football, not just athleticism and transitions. “They got lucky with the coaches they’re playing for… They don’t force you to play his style so well.” (Duda, 18:50, 19:09)

6. Season Vibes & Predictions

• NWSL 2025 in a Word:
  • “Chaotic. Still chaotic… you just never know what to expect from a team. It’s always chaos.” (Duda, 20:40–21:10)
  • “Chaotic and successful!” (Ali/Duda, 21:18–21:22)
• Favorite Gigs: Duda shares World Sevens in Portugal as her top event, describing the fun, energy, and international camaraderie. She looks forward to covering it again.

7. Championship Game Predictions

• Gotham vs. Spirit:
  • Duda: Picks Gotham to win 2-1 (“I’m picking this thinking about who’s going to have the best after party!” 24:53)
  • Ali: Chooses Spirit for the win, noting the goalkeepers’ duel and “energy, momentum, the vibes.”
  • Discussion includes how the outcome will be known by listeners once the show is posted.

8. Broadcasting & Career Reflections

• Ali reflects on her trial-by-fire experience broadcasting for CBS Sports in Stamford, CT:
  • “It was a grind… study, research, prepare… It was a huge challenge. Everyone there was so welcoming.” (Ali, 27:15–28:31)
  • Duda and Ali both express admiration for professionals who can context-switch and deliver on complex topics live.

9. Meaningful Birthday Moments & Personal Touches

• Duda describes the Brazilian tradition of brigadeiros for birthdays (“In Brazil, we all eat brigadeiros… pure condensed milk!” 31:09).
• Shares about hiking the Hollywood sign and a once-in-a-lifetime meal in San Francisco.

10. Looking Forward: 2026 & Manifestation

• Duda hopes to move into her new LA apartment, continue working on storytelling and meaningful interviews, and stay involved as the Women’s World Cup approaches:
  • “For 2026, I want to manifest… deep conversations and share that… have fun, be healthy, travel, keep going to different places…” (Duda, 34:40)
• Lighthearted moment: Nail polish “don’t mix metals” hot take (one hand gold, one hand silver) (34:06–34:26).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On NWSL’s TV debut:
  “We couldn’t even get our games on TV, let alone an awards show.” —Ali Riley, 00:44
• On Kansas City's resilience:
  “It doesn’t matter if they have a bad game, they’re still gonna win.” —Duda Pavão, 14:05
• Brazilian influence:
  “She opened the doors for so many Brazilian players to come and play in the league.” —Duda Pavão on Marta, 18:10
• On league vibes:
  “Chaotic and successful!” —Ali & Duda, 21:18–21:22
• Manifestation for 2026:
  “Just being able to do what I love and share stories, meaningful stories…” —Duda, 34:40
• Personal touch:
  “The best thing someone can wear is a smile. Or lashes.” —Ali, 16:15

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Reflections on NWSL growth & TV awards debut | | 03:44 | Duda describes early days vs. present NWSL coverage | | 05:36 | Behind-the-scenes blue carpet stories | | 06:10 | Lauren Holiday Impact Award and Sam Hyatt’s story | | 11:41 | On the humility of MVP Temo and other awardees | | 14:05 | What makes Kansas City Current special | | 16:47 | The impact of Brazilian and Japanese players | | 18:09 | Marta’s influence & coaching’s role in adaptation | | 20:40 | Word of the season: “Chaotic” | | 21:47 | Duda’s favorite event: World Sevens Portugal | | 24:47 | Championship predictions: Gotham vs. Spirit | | 27:15 | Ali’s experience with TV broadcasting | | 31:09 | Duda’s birthday and Brazilian brigadeiro tradition | | 34:40 | Manifesting 2026: Duda’s dreams and plans |

Overall Tone

• Fun, celebratory, and genuine; supportive of women’s sports and open about both chaos and pride in women’s soccer.
• The banter between Ali and Duda is personal, humorous, and unfiltered (“Be for real. Let’s be real. Is a really good player.” – 15:35)

For New Listeners

This episode is a candid, insider look at the NWSL’s exponential rise, the unique personalities driving the league, and the transformative power of diverse global talent. You’ll finish feeling part of the community and inspired by how far women’s soccer has come—and is still going.