Duda Sampaio honoured for 50 Brazil caps: “It still hasn’t sunk in”

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Duda Sampaio honoured for 50 Brazil caps: “It still hasn’t sunk in”

A special moment took over the press room at Neo Química Arena on Friday night (5). After head coach Arthur Elias’ press conference, midfielder Duda Sampaio, who was due to speak next, was surprised with a tribute marking the 50 games she will complete wearing the Brazilian National Team jersey in Saturday’s (6) friendly against the United States.

The moment was led by Women’s National Teams coordinator Cris Gambaré, who opened the player’s press conference by highlighting the journey she has built over the past few years and the relationship of trust she has developed with Arthur Elias.

“Duda, thank you for your story. Thank you, truly, for everything you are doing for our Brazilian National Team,” said Gambaré.

Then, Arthur Elias presented the player with a commemorative jersey bearing the number 50, symbolizing the milestone she will reach against the Americans. Visibly emotional, Duda spoke about what the moment meant to her.

“Without a doubt, I’m very happy with this moment. I don’t think I fully realize yet how big it is to reach 50 games for the Brazilian National Team. I remember my first call-ups, always with that anxiety. And being able to experience this today, even after so much time representing the National Team, still with that same intention of being here to improve, is very special,” she celebrated.

Trust​

The defensive midfielder also made a point of highlighting the importance of the relationship built with Arthur Elias throughout her career.

“I have a lot of affection for the entire coaching staff, but especially for Arthur, because of all the history we built working together at Corinthians. Without a doubt, that gives me even more confidence to make the most of my moments on the field,” she said.

Duda’s story with football began far from the big stadiums. A native of Jequeri, a small town in the countryside of Minas Gerais, she grew up playing on a dirt field next to her house. The place, which hosted many matches and games alongside her brother, took on an even more special meaning years later.

With her career established, the athlete renovated the field where she took her first steps in the sport, turning it into a grass pitch surrounded by fencing as a way of giving back to the place that marked her childhood.

Debut and achievements​

At 25, Duda has had spells at América-MG, Cruzeiro and Internacional, in addition to experiencing one of the most successful periods of her career at Corinthians, the club she has represented since 2023. For the senior national team, she made her debut in 2022 in a 4-0 rout of Argentina.

Since then, she has played in the 2023 World Cup, won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and became a two-time Copa América champion. So far, she has made 49 appearances, with 36 wins, four draws and nine losses wearing Brazil’s yellow jersey.

Even though she is considered one of the most consistent players on the Brazilian National Team in the Arthur Elias era and has attracted interest from overseas clubs, Duda says she is in no hurry to leave Brazilian football.

“Speaking for myself, to this day no offer has arrived that has truly made me want to leave. My main goal is to keep helping Corinthians and continue being called up to the National Team. Being in an environment that helps me grow and continuing to wear the National Team shirt are the most important things for me,” she explained.

Important match​

To make the 50-game milestone even more special, Duda hopes to crown the occasion with a great performance against the United States. The last meeting between the teams ended in a historic 2-1 comeback win for Brazil on American soil. The midfielder says the team arrives better prepared for the new challenge.

“Our work has always been very focused on the style of play, the game plan and the strategies for each match. That remains the same. But we’ve managed to improve a lot in every phase of the game. I’m sure we are much better prepared now,” she said.

“Facing the United States is always a great opportunity. It’s a match that tests us physically, mentally and technically. Thinking about the World Cup, which is getting closer and closer, these opportunities are essential. I’m sure we are more prepared today than we were in that previous meeting,” she concluded.

The first friendly for Brazil’s senior women’s national team against the United States will take place on Saturday (6) at 6:30 p.m. at Neo Química Arena. From São Paulo, the squad will travel to Fortaleza for the second match on Tuesday (9) at 9:30 p.m.

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

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