From surprise to opportunity: Isabela Puccinelli eyes Brazil U20 spot | OneFootball

Isabela Puccinelli is living yet another remarkable chapter wearing the Brazil U-20 national team jersey, and this time in an unexpected way. Called up on the eve of the first friendly against the United States, when Brazil was beaten 2-0 last Saturday (11), the player went through a whirlwind of emotions upon receiving the news. The new opportunity came after changes to Brazil’s senior national team: forward Evelin was called up by head coach Arthur Elias to replace Jheniffer for the FIFA Series, opening up a spot for Puccinelli to join the U-20 squad.

The surprise became motivation to fight for space in the group preparing for the World Cup in the category.

“It was a huge surprise. I woke up on the day of my college game already in match mode, and then they called me saying I was coming to the national team. It was an immense feeling of gratitude,” recalls Puccinelli, who plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team.

The Paraná-born forward had already been monitored by the coaching staff. Her first call-up came in August 2024, during the U-17 team’s preparation for the World Cup. Months later, she wore the Brazil jersey again in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay in November 2025. Now, at 18, she sees this new phase as a chance to reaffirm her place within the group.

Isabela Puccinelli during training with the U-17 national team in August 2024, in Bragança PaulistaCredits: Mauro Horita/Staff Images/CBF

“My expectation is always to win, score goals, and I want to go to the World Cup. I want to help the team, make the most of every moment, and take these lessons with me for life.”

Development in the United States

Living in the United States for the past two years, Puccinelli plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team, balancing football with her Sports Business studies. Her experience in the country has been crucial to her development on the field.

“It’s a much more physical, more intense game. I already knew a little about that, so it was easier to understand what to expect.”

Isabela Puccinelli in training with the Brazil national team at the Kansas City Current training centerCredits: Fabio Souza/CBF

Even with her academic focus, she remains committed to her football plans. The forward intends to finish university, but her dream is to pursue a professional football career and, above all, continue representing Brazil. Amid the competition for a place at the World Cup, Puccinelli keeps her feet on the ground and reinforces the meaning of wearing the national team jersey.

“It is a privilege to represent my country and the people who support me. I am very grateful to God for everything He has done in my life.”

Now part of the group that will face the United States, Puccinelli sees the training sessions and the upcoming friendly as an important opportunity to show her potential and earn more space in the team.

“It’s going to be a very physical, very demanding match. But if we fine-tune the details and play with the goal in mind, we can have a great game.”

The second match between Brazil and the United States takes place on Wednesday (15), in Kansas, and is part of the team’s preparation for the U-20 World Cup.

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