After Marta's magic, Brazilian nets first goal since beating cancer 🎥 | OneFootball

Orlando Pride’s qualification for the National Women's Soccer League semifinals last Friday (7th) featured a truly special moment. 

The reigning champions, led by Queen Marta, were already leading Seattle Reign FC 1-0, playing in front of their home crowd. 

Then, Marta, at 39 years old, made a run with the ball from her own half in the 95th minute. She was only stopped when she was fouled for a penalty.

Marta then offered the ball to her compatriot Luana Bertolucci.

Luana, a 32-year-old midfielder, had spent 18 months away from football while recovering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

She returned to play at the beginning of September and was still searching for her first goal. 

She was brought on in the 83rd minute, making her ninth appearance of the current season. And she secured Orlando Pride’s 2-0 victory in a moment full of emotion.

“It’s crazy. Crazy. A year ago, I didn’t even know if I’d be able to play football again, and today, here I am. It’s crazy. Nothing is impossible,” she said.

Check out the full play below 👇🏽

Discovered after being called up

Luana has played for São Bernardo, Centro Olímpico, Avaldsnes IL (Norway), Jeonbuk KSPO (South Korea), PSG, and Corinthians.

She had played only three matches for Orlando Pride when she discovered the cancer. 

She had been called up to play for the Brazilian National Team in last year’s She Believes Cup. 

At first, she asked to be withdrawn from the squad, citing personal reasons.

The official announcement that she had overcome cancer came at the end of April. 

Just waiting

Orlando Pride will await the winner of the match between Kansas City Current and Gotham FC, who will face each other this Sunday (9th).

The other semifinal will be between the victorious team of Washington Spirit versus Racing Louisville FC and whoever wins between Portland Thorns FC and San Diego Wave FC.

Photo: Reproduction/Orlando Pride 

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