Pauleta called up by Portugal after gaining nationality, in frame for 2027 World Cup | OneFootball

Luso-Spanish midfielder Pauleta has been called up by Portugal for the first time after gaining nationality, putting the Benfica player in contention for the 2027 World Cup.

Portugal coach Francisco Neto has selected the 28-year-old for qualifiers against Finland on the third of March in Vizela and Slovakia on the eighth of March in Barcelos. Portugal are in Group 3 of League B of the Nations League, the main European route to the next World Cup, with Latvia also in the group.

"The word is happiness. This was something I had wanted for a long time. I arrived in Portugal 10 years ago, grew here and became a woman here. I thank Portugal and everyone in Portuguese women's football," she told BTV.

"A lot went through my mind about football, my career and my sporting life, but I never gave up. I always wanted to keep fighting to stay on the pitch doing what I love most, playing football and playing for Benfica. Now it is about enjoying this moment."

Born in Pontevedra in Galicia, Paula Encinas, known as Pauleta, is 28. She has overcome two serious injuries in recent years while working towards a Portugal call-up.

Source: Glorioso 1904