Corinthians midfielder celebrates major milestone with Brazil women | OneFootball

The Brazilian Women’s National Team faces the United States on Saturday night (6) at 6:30 p.m. Brasília time at Neo Química Arena, in a friendly match as preparation for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. The clash against the Americans is a special one for Duda Sampaio, Corinthians midfielder, who is reaching 50 matches wearing the Brazil shirt.

Before speaking at a press conference after training in Itaquera, she received a commemorative jersey from head coach Arthur Elias and football director Cris Gambaré. Timão’s No. 27 commented on the feeling of reaching the expressive milestone, stressing that she still does not fully grasp what that number represents.

Photo: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

“Without a doubt, I’m very happy with this moment. I don’t think I fully realize how big it is to reach 50 matches for the Brazilian National Team. I remember the first call-ups, always with that sense of anxiety. And being able to live this today, even after so much time representing the national team, still with that same intention of being here to improve, is very special,” she began.

She later spoke about her relationship with Arthur Elias, with whom she worked at Corinthians in 2023, winning the Campeonato Paulista, the Brasileirão and the Conmebol Libertadores together. She also mentioned the importance of the club from Parque São Jorge in her path to the national team, highlighting that, at the moment, she is in no rush to leave Alvinegro.

“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 my moments on the pitch.”

“The World Cup, yes, is a big part of it, but today I work with a team that gives us full support so we can keep developing. I think that, for me, that’s the key, right? Being in a place where I can develop, whether tactically, technically or physically. So I think the work Corinthians does is very important”, she continued.

She went on to say that her focus is completely on the Brabas and on continuing to be called up by the country she represents: “I can only speak for myself, right? So far, no offer has come in that has truly made me want to leave.And I say this openly: I’ve always been very focused on Corinthians, regardless of what may come from outside, or what conversations may have taken place.”

“But today my main goal is to keep playing for Corinthians and to be here with the national team. So I think that, with this having been happening for so long, I’m not in a rush, I don’t have that urgent thought of leaving. I think that being in a place that helps me grow, being here in the national team, getting called up regularly, that is fundamental for me,” she said.

Finally, she was asked about her expectations for tonight’s match against the United States: “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 much better prepared now.”

“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.

Duda Sampaio joined Corinthians in 2023 after standing out at Internacional. Since then, she has scored 30 goals and provided 25 assists in 121 matches (93 as a starter), with 86 wins, 23 draws and 12 losses — a 77.41% success rate. In addition, she has won eight titles: Campeonato Paulista (2023), Supercopa do Brasil (2024), Conmebol Libertadores (2023, 2024 and 2025) and Brasileirão (2023, 2024 and 2025).

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