Kerolin Nicoli: 10 Things you didn’t know | OneFootball

Kerolin Nicoli has become Manchester City’s third signing of the January transfer window.

The Brazil international joins from North Carolina Courage on a deal which will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2028.

An exciting forward who has achieved so much in her young career at club and international level, here are ten things you may or may not know about our latest recruit.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Kerolin’s football career might have been over before it had even started after being hospitalised with osteomyelitis – a form of bone infection – and cellulitis in her leg at the age of 11.

Doctors advised her to avoid contact sport, but she persisted to become the player she is today.

“It was really serious. If they didn’t find it, I would basically have no leg anymore,” she reflects.

“When I was 15 I was like I have no pain and I feel fine so I just started to play soccer again and everything was fine.”

WATCH: Kerolin is a Blue!

RISING STAR

The forward burst onto the scene as a teenage talent at Sao Paulo-based side Ponte Preta, and during a brief stint at Corinthians / Audax.

At the latter, she scored a penalty in a shootout win over Colo Colo in the 2017 Copa Libertadores final.One year later and she was named the Brasileirao Feminino Championship’s Breakthrough Player at Ponte Preta.

INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

Kerolin’s performances soon caught the eye of the senior Brazilian setup, making her debut as an 18-year-old in September 2018.

Their opponents that day? An England team containing her new captain, Alex Greenwood at Notts County’s Meadow Lane!

HIGH PRAISE

Also playing in the Brazil team that day was Formiga, her nation’s record appearance holder and considered one of the greatest midfielders in history.

And the Brazil legend was full of praise for our new recruit when she first broke into the senior international setup.

“Kerolin has a huge future,” Formiga explained.

“She's got so much talent, and she doesn't have fear. If she keeps her feet on the ground, she can go as far as she wants.”

SELECAO

Despite still being just 25, Kerolin is already nearing 50 appearances for Brazil and has claimed top honours with her nation.

In 2022 she was part of the squad that won the Copa America, starting all of Brazil’s matches en route to a 1-0 win over Colombia in the final.

WATCH: Kerolin Signing Interview

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Kerolin joins City on the back of a hugely successful three seasons at North Carolina Courage in the United States.

During her three seasons at the club, based in Cary, North Carolina, she twice helped the Courage win the NWSL Challenge Cup.

On both occasions she scored the opening goal in the final, beating Washington Spirit in 2022 and Racing Louisville a year later.

HISTORY MAKER

Our new recruit enjoyed a particular standout year for North Carolina Courage in 2023 with 14 goal involvements in 24 appearances.

Those exploits saw her named in the NWSL’s Best XI for the season, and also earned her the league’s Most Valuable Player prize.

She became the first South American to win the award, in a league which also included legendary Brazilian figures such as Marta and Debinha.

OLYMPIC RECOGNITION

Kerolin recovered from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in time to represent Brazil at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, helping them to a silver medal.

The forward even got herself on the scoresheet in a 4-2 semi-final win over world champions Spain, grabbing her nation’s fourth of the match in stoppage time.

“It was basically a dream come true,” she reflects.

“Of course we wanted to win the gold medal, but we are in the right process. Playing for the national team and having the silver medal is the best thing I could do in my life right now.”

QUALITIES

Asked to describe what she felt were her greatest strengths, Kerolin cited her eye for goal and ability to take on a defender.

“Well, I heard a lot that I’m really fast,” she smiled.

“I really love one against ones, so I’d say fast, good ability. I really love to score a lot of goals.”

AMBITIONS

Looking to the future, the Brazilian’s ambitions are clear.

“I want to try to become the best player in the world.

“I know here I can be better at soccer and also learn how to play in England and be the best player in the world.”

The hard work starts now!