Duda Sampaio celebrates milestone, targets Libertadores final

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Central do Timão

·18 October 2025

Duda Sampaio celebrates milestone, targets Libertadores final

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Last Wednesday, Corinthians secured a spot in the Women’s Libertadores final by defeating Ferroviária in the semifinals. In addition to qualifying, the match marked a special achievement: Duda Sampaio reached 100 games wearing the black and white jersey. On the eve of the final, the midfielder gave an interview to Meu Timão celebrating the milestone and commenting on the possibility of changing her number.

“It’s very special to look back and see everything I’ve achieved in such a short time: so many titles, so many lessons learned. And playing for Corinthians, with such a strong jersey, in a team where it’s so hard to compete. Since I arrived here, having a lot of minutes was very important for me. The professionals who have been here also gave a lot of support, helping me evolve a lot,” said Duda.

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Photo: Staff Images Woman/Conmebol

“I think, talking a bit about my season, I’m very happy that we are winning, that we won the Brazilian Championship. Women’s football has evolved a lot and this makes us realize that we won’t be able to win every title every year.” she continued.

“But it’s very important for us to reach all the finals, to play every game of the year. I hope we can win this competition and the Paulista, so we can have another great year wearing the Corinthians jersey,” the midfielder added.

Among the topics stirring up the fans is a possible change in Duda’s shirt number. The number 27, which she has worn since arriving at the club, may give way to 8, a historic number at Corinthians.

“When I got here, I thought about it, there were a few numbers to choose from and 27 is a special number for me. But I still don’t know, I think it’s a good idea (to start wearing 8), but I’ll be thinking about it. I don’t think the jersey number is something that focuses me, I think the most important thing is to play, regardless of the number,” said the player.

The number 8 jersey carries symbolic weight at Timão, having been worn by great names in the club’s history, such as Sócrates, Basílio, Rincón, Renato Augusto, and Paulinho. In the current men’s team, the number belongs to Rodrigo Garro. The tradition inspires Duda, who is open to the idea.

“I know the history behind the 8 and I think it would be interesting, yes. Making history with the number 8 at Corinthians would be even more special. No, not yet (I haven’t been approached to change the number). I think it’s fine. We’re waiting for the year to end,” she revealed.

Besides the number, Duda Sampaio also commented on her tactical role in the team, highlighting the influence of the Brazilian National Team on her development to deliver more variations on the field.

“I think many of these changes are due to the National Team. During Pia’s era, she already put me in some games as a defensive midfielder. Now, with Arthur, we always play with two defensive midfielders, so that made me evolve a lot. I remember my first games, I had a lot of difficulty,” she said.

Called up by coach Arthur Elias, Duda will once again represent Brazil in friendlies against Italy and England, on October 25 and 28. Defenders Mariza and Thais Ferreira were also called up.

“So, today I see it differently. I don’t think it’s a preference to be up there, it’s being here. It’s wherever I can help best. I feel much better near the goal, being able to finish, provide assists. But I know that the needs of the club, the needs of the National Team, are sometimes much greater than our own wishes. I think, for me, as I said, the most important thing is to be playing,” she said, highlighting her preference for playing further forward.

“I think here at Corinthians, my first year playing, further forward I had many opportunities, scored many goals. But I know that when you are useful, when your name is being remembered, whether defensively or offensively, it gives us that comfort to play, regardless of which position we prefer,” Duda concluded.

Corinthians returns to the field this Saturday, October 18, to face Deportivo Cali from Colombia at 4:30 pm, in the grand final of the 2025 Women’s Libertadores, which will be played at Estadio Florencio Sola.

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