Who’s shining? The lowdown on the Brazilians in NWSL 2026 | OneFootball

The Brazilian presence in the NWSL is no longer anything new. In 2026, however, a new generation is beginning to share the spotlight with names that have already made history in U.S. soccer. And the numbers from the current season show that clearly.

Among the Brazilians with the most direct goal involvements, Dudinha, Amanda Gutierres and Maiara Niehues have nine each, while Debinha is right behind with six. Ary Borges has five goal involvements, while also maintaining an important role at Angel City.

More than just a statistical snapshot, the picture shows how Brazilian soccer continues to find in the top-tier women’s competition in the United States an environment to develop and showcase players.

Dudinha is the standout of the new generation

At 20 years old, Dudinha has emerged as one of the main Brazilian names of the season. The San Diego Wave forward has five goals and four assists in 13 matches, reaching nine direct goal involvements.

It is a particularly significant number because her impact is not limited to finishing. Dudinha has been one of the most important attacking pieces for a San Diego side that started the season at a strong pace.

The NWSL highlighted Dudinha as early as the first month, when she had two goals and three assists and was helping the Wave reach five straight wins. The Brazilian is also tied with Amanda Gutierres and Maiara Niehues at the top among Brazilians in goals and assists.

Amanda Gutierres maintains immediate impact

Amanda Gutierres has also stood out for Boston Legacy, with seven goals and two assists in 25 matches. The forward has nine direct goal involvements and is among the leading Brazilian scorers in the NWSL, serving as one of the team’s attacking references.

Maiara Niehues and Ary Borges also feature

Another name drawing attention is Maiara Niehues of Angel City FC. The Brazilian has scored nine goals in 19 matches and is currently the top Brazilian scorer in the 2026 NWSL. The figure stands out even more because of her efficiency: nine goals in just 19 games.

At Boston Legacy, Ary Borges has three goals and two assists in 23 matches, with five direct goal involvements. Debinha, meanwhile, at 35, remains a standout for the Kansas City Current, with five goals and one assist in 20 matches. Both reinforce Brazil’s importance in the competition.

A relationship that began with the “legendary” Marta and Debinha

It is no coincidence that so many Brazilians find space in the NWSL. The league has established itself as one of the main competitions in women’s soccer worldwide and, over the years, has welcomed key names in Brazil’s history. Marta and Debinha helped pave the way for this generation.

The NWSL itself points out that the influence of the two was decisive in increasing the Brazilian presence in the competition. In 2017, when both reached important moments in their journeys in the league, there were eight Brazilians in the NWSL. In 2023, that number rose to 13.

The “legend” Marta built a historic career with Orlando Pride, while Debinha became one of the competition’s great scorers. In 2025, for example, the midfielder reached 50 regular-season goals, joining an extremely select group in NWSL history.

Stars want to prove themselves to make Brazil’s World Cup squad

Now, the story continues to be written by a different generation. Dudinha, Amanda, Maiara, Ary, Rafaelle, Angelina, Ludmila and other Brazilians show that Brazil still has its place in a league that is becoming increasingly international. And in 2026, some of them are not just taking part in the NWSL.

They are among the competition’s leading figures and, of course, are names to watch for the Brazil Women’s National Team. Some are legends, others are established names, while others still have room and a whole international journey ahead with the Seleção as the 2027 World Cup, which will be held in Brazil, draws closer every day.

*André Freixo, special correspondent for RTI Esporte Agency, reporting directly from Portugal

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