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

A special moment took over the press room at Neo Química Arena on Friday night (5). After head coach Arthur Elias’s press conference, midfielder Duda Sampaio, who was set to speak next, was surprised with a tribute for reaching 50 matches in the Brazil National Team jersey in Saturday’s (6) friendly against the United States.

The moment was led by the coordinator of the Women’s National Teams, 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 Brazil National Team,” said Gambaré.

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

“Without a doubt, I’m very happy with this moment. I still don’t think I fully realize how big it is to reach 50 matches for the Brazil 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 the same purpose of being here to improve, is very special,” she said.

Trust

The defensive midfielder also made a point of highlighting the importance of the relationship she has 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 the moments on the field,” she said.

Women’s National Teams coordinator Cris Gambaré and head coach Arthur Elias surprise Duda SampaioCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

Duda’s story with football began far from the big stadiums. Born in Jequeri, a small town in the interior 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 player 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 played for América-MG, Cruzeiro, and Internacional, in addition to enjoying one of the most successful spells of her career at Corinthians, the club she has represented since 2023. For the senior national team, she made her debut in 2022 in the 4-0 win over 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 the famous yellow jersey.

Even though she is considered one of the most consistent players in the Brazil National Team in the Arthur Elias era and has drawn interest from foreign clubs, Duda says she is in no rush to leave Brazilian football.

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

Important match

To make the 50-match milestone even more special, Duda hopes to crown the date 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 is arriving better prepared for this new challenge.

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

Facing the United States is always a great opportunity. It is 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 of the senior women’s national team against the United States will be 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.