[Opinion] Duda, the number 8

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·18 September 2025

[Opinion] Duda, the number 8

By Bruno Cassiano | Central do Timão

With the end of the Brazilian Women's Championship, won for the seventh time by the Brabas of Corinthians, the national women's football market is starting to move, both internally and externally. Timão has already had its first “loss”: midfielder Yaya is leaving for PSG, in France, for 150 thousand euros. Some think it’s good, some think it’s bad, and some still don’t know what to think. Normal.

Yaya had a contract with Coringão valid until December 2025 and could have already signed a pre-contract with another team, leaving the club without any financial return. But she didn’t. An attitude that demonstrates respect for the institution and shows how deserving she was of the legendary and sacred number 8 jersey, regardless of the ups and downs, the titles or the defeats.

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Duda Sampaio (Photo: CBF/Brasileirão Feminino)

Now the question remains: who should wear the most important number in the club’s history? Who should be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward a legacy that spans generations and has already been worn by the greatest black-and-white player of all time? For me, the answer is clear, simple, and has a first and last name: Maria Eduarda Ferreira Sampaio, Duda Sampaio.

Duda is someone who honors the jersey and plays football with enviable class, unique talent, and sharp vision on the field. Her style is unique. She is a rare player, in a position and role that are increasingly scarce in football in general. Nothing could be fairer than giving the number 8 jersey to the one who best meets the requirements to bear its weight.

Some say she is the natural heir to Gabi Zanotti’s number 10, which would indeed also suit her well. Just as the legendary 8 would fit perfectly on the back of Zinedine Zanotti. Paraphrasing my friend Tatiane Vidal: “Zanotti is an 8 who plays with the number 10 jersey.” Perhaps this is one of the phrases that best defines the much idolized player. But, if she continues with her usual number, let it be Duda who stops being 27 to become 8.

The black-and-white number 8 must always have an owner; it cannot be a vacant and forgotten number. Seeing it on the field – whether with Yaya or Garro (current), Renato Augusto or Elias – you can glimpse a bit of the past and feel the presence of the eternal Dr. Sócrates among us. Not just watching and protecting, but also fighting, as always, for victory.

For Garro, the 8 fit perfectly. For Duda, the 8 will fit just as perfectly.