We started from scratch: Nayane and mum chase a Brazil call-up together

From the Under-15 Evolution League to the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, Nayane’s rise has surprised even the player herself. At 16, the Ferroviária player earned a place on the Brazilian national team in a short span of time after receiving an unexpected call-up for World Cup preparations. Behind this journey lies a decision that changed her entire family’s life: when her daughter passed Ferroviária’s trials in 2023, at age 13, her mother, Ana Paula, left her job and Pindamonhangaba, in the interior of São Paulo state, to accompany her to Araraquara. The two started a new life from scratch.

Her father, Flávio, and her sisters stayed in their hometown but remained involved in the player’s journey as she had to adjust to a new routine while still a teenager. The move marked the start of a journey that, just over two years later, would take Nayane to the most important competition of her career so far.

“My parents and sisters have always encouraged me since I was little. When I passed the trials and found out I would be joining Ferroviária, my dad asked if that was really what I wanted, if my dream was to be a footballer. I said yes, and they put so much into it. My mum came with me, left her job and moved to Araraquara. We started a new life from scratch,” the player says.

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Nayane during Brazil Under-17 national team preparations at El Bachir StadiumCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF

The family’s decision was crucial in helping Nayane adjust to a routine of training and studying in a new city. At the same time, being away from the relatives who stayed in Pindamonhangaba brought major challenges.

“It’s hard being away from home. It took me a while to get used to being away from my dad and sisters. You never stop missing them, but it’s really good to have my mum nearby, helping me, and my dad and sisters supporting me and admiring what I do, even from far away.”

Born in Pindamonhangaba, Nayane began playing football with boys at age ten. At the time, opportunities for girls were scarce, and futsal was one of the main routes into the sport in the city.

“There weren’t many football schools before. In fact, I started playing with the boys because there was no girls’ outdoor football. There was only one girls’ futsal school. Today, there are futsal and football programmes, and the sport has grown a lot.”

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Nayane during preparations for the Under-17 World Cup in MoroccoCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF

At 11, Nayane moved into outdoor football. A year later, she joined Guerreiras Pinda, the city’s girls’ futsal programme. In 2023, her father found a social media announcement for trials at Ferroviária in Araraquara. She passed, setting in motion the move that would transform her life. According to the player, her parents’ support has always been essential in helping her believe she could reach professional football.

“I don’t think you could have anyone better supporting you than your parents. That’s so important for an athlete, but also for anyone in any profession. I’m so happy knowing I can count on them and that they share my dream. It’s not just my dream,” she says happily.

From the Evolution League to the World Cup

Her progress at Ferroviária was her ticket to the Brazilian national team. Nayane’s first call-up came for the Under-15 Evolution League in September in Paraguay. Born in 2010, Nayane had not expected to be called up to the Under-15 team. The opportunity for two players born that year to join the squad made her dream of wearing Brazil’s yellow shirt possible.

“It was an incredible, unique experience. I came away with very special memories and met amazing people who helped me a lot. I think I learned and improved a great deal because I had support from every direction. Even though it was a short period, that call-up helped me mature a lot as a footballer,” she reflects.

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At 16, Nayane will play in the first World Cup of her careerCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF

Being called up to the Under-17 team shortly afterwards also came as a surprise. Having never previously joined the Under-17 squad during a FIFA international window, the forward had to adapt quickly to the group and the team’s style of play. Her dedication in training was important in securing a place on the final World Cup squad.

“Being called up to Granja after going to Paraguay was incredible. I didn’t imagine it would happen so quickly either. I gave my all every day, trying to adapt to the style of play. Thank God, it worked out. I’m here and I’m so happy,” she says enthusiastically.

Now in Morocco, Nayane is preparing to take another step in her journey: Brazil’s Under-17 Women’s World Cup opener against Canada on the 18th. After an unexpected call-up and earning her place at the World Cup, the forward will have the chance to make a dream come true—a dream that began in Pindamonhangaba and brought her whole family together.

“I’m so happy to be here and want to make the most of this opportunity. We’re working hard, all with the same goal, to get off to a great start against Canada,” she concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.