Ex-Corinthians scores in US, seals progress after beating cancer

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Central do Timão

·8. November 2025

Ex-Corinthians scores in US, seals progress after beating cancer

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Midfielder Luana Bertolucci, former Corinthians player, experienced a special moment this weekend by scoring her first goal since winning her battle against cancer. Playing for Orlando Pride in the United States, the Brazilian sealed the score in the victory over Seattle Reign, a result that secured her team a spot in the semifinals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the country’s top women’s league.

Orlando was already leading 1-0 when, in stoppage time, Marta was fouled for a penalty and handed the ball to Luana to take the shot. The midfielder converted the penalty, sealing the triumph for the Orlando team and celebrating a symbolic goal in her journey of overcoming adversity.

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“This is crazy. This is crazy. A year ago, I didn’t even know if I would play again. And today I’m here. Nothing is impossible,” Luana told Prime Video, which broadcast the match.

The player was away from the pitch for 18 months after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Since March 2024, she began treatment and, fully recovered, returned to the field in September wearing the Orlando Pride shirt. This weekend’s goal was her first since being cured.

Commenting on the team’s performance in the competition, Luana highlighted the collective spirit and unity of the squad: “I think it’s about the group. I think we… We have a good environment and we have players who never give up. And we know that when we’re together and play together, it’s hard to beat us. So, we’ve been through some ups and downs so far, but from now on it’s a different championship and we’re going all in.”

Before moving to the United States, Luana played for Corinthians between 2022 and 2023, during which time she won five titles — Copa Paulista, Libertadores, Campeonato Paulista, Brasileiro, and Supercopa. For the black-and-white team, she recorded four goals and five assists in 42 matches. The midfielder said goodbye to Parque São Jorge in December 2023, choosing not to renew her contract and to continue her career in North American soccer.

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