Keeper discusses contract renewal, eyes Corinthians at the Club World Cup | OneFootball

On the morning of this Friday (31), the Corinthians women's team held an open training session for the press and goalkeeper Nicole gave an interview to journalists at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. One of the main players in the team's campaign for their sixth Libertadores title, the athlete was asked about her future at the club, since her contract ends in December this year.

“I think, thinking about renewal, I want to stay. The club wants me to stay. We are already in advanced talks about this and there’s no bigger motivation than the Club World Cup. I am very grateful to Corinthians because I think Corinthians gave me the best moment of my career. So, we are already having these advanced conversations and everything is heading in the right direction,” she began.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

Next, she commented on her hand surgery, after breaking her finger in the Women's Libertadores final against Deportivo Cali from Colombia. The goalkeeper answered whether she will return to the pitch this season and the planning for the Club World Cup – Copa das Campeãs – between the end of January and the beginning of February 2026.

“Injury is hard to talk about; it really depends on how the body responds to the injury, but we are planning to do everything possible to be fit for the World Cup. Like I said, there’s no way to set a deadline, it depends on what I can do. We have our work in the gym and are doing what is possible on the field. So as not to lose too much physically. But it’s hard to set a time frame, but the planning is focused on the World Cup. This year, I don’t know if there’s still time or not. I’m still dealing with medical issues and all, with metal in my hand, but we’re thinking about the World Cup. I think everything will work out.”

She also talked about the upcoming match against Gotham FC from the United States – the team where former Brabas striker Gabi Portilho plays. If they qualify for the final, the Brabas could face Arsenal from England, the current Women’s Champions League champions.

“I think Gotham is a great team. It will be a great match. This year, I think it was very positive that we played two games in the United States in the middle of the year. We already got a sense of the game dynamics, how things work and how they don’t. Different playing styles when you change countries, but anyway, I think it will be a great game. We already have a good benchmark, and the competition itself is something big, something enjoyable to compete in. And we’ll work to play a great game and get a spot in the final too,” she continued.

Later, the Brabas’ goalkeeper detailed what the aftermath of the Women’s Libertadores title has been like, two weeks after the international achievement. She was also asked about being runner-up in the tournament in 2018 representing Santos and the feeling of saving a penalty kick in the shootout against the Colombian team.

I think, after the Libertadores, we had a few days to enjoy it a bit, to make the most of it. I think it’s an achievement that has to be celebrated, enjoyed, but not to get carried away by it. I always think about the next step. I think we had a few days to enjoy everything. I was very happy. It was an important moment for me, professionally, individually, in my career, but always thinking about the next steps. I didn’t have time to rest. I arrived and had to go straight to surgery, pretty much. But we enjoyed it a lot, made the most of the moment, and now we’re already thinking about what’s next.”

“In 2018 I had the opportunity to play in the final. We were unlucky that year and I think, at that moment, I thought I had a chance to do things differently and that I could help Corinthians qualify, to achieve what we wanted so much, which was this spot in the World Cup. So, I just thought I had to help in some way, contribute in some way, and it was a very happy moment. Also, it was the result of the work of the entire goalkeeping department, not just mine. But I was very happy, satisfied to help the club in some way. Like I said, I think it’s important to be decisive in these moments. We have to be decisive at these times. So, just happiness. I think it’s about taking Corinthians where it deserves to be.”

Nicole also spoke about the dream of winning the Women’s Club World Cup with Corinthians: “I think we’ve been talking about this since the news first came out. I think our focus, since the possibility of the World Cup became real, has been on this, dreaming about it, aiming for it. And we went to the Libertadores with that in mind. Of course, the title would take us there, but thinking: ‘if I win the World Cup, if I win the World Cup,’ I think that gave us an extra boost. It was very important for us to win.”

“Whether we like it or not, it’s an extra boost. It’s different. And personally, I think it will be something remarkable in my career. I had the opportunity to play in World Cups for the youth national team, but for a club, it’s something unprecedented and for Corinthians it will also be the first time. So, I’m very excited, very anxious already, I want January to come soon, I’m anxious to get back to training and help the team. But I think it will be something big. And I have very high, very good expectations.”

Finally, she spoke about the mobilization of Corinthians fans spread around the world – especially in the United States – looking ahead to the Club World Cup in England. She also commented again on her finger injury and the sacrifice of staying on the field even in pain.

“I thought the same thing as you: ‘my God, there are Corinthians fans everywhere in the world.’ I think it’s amazing, because after I started playing here at Corinthians, I realized how big the fanbase is, the club, even in my hometown, in the interior of Santa Catarina, I found out there are Corinthians fans, there are loyal fans there, in Pouso Redondo, which is a tiny town near my city. So, I’m very happy. I think it’s definitely an extra incentive for us to have Corinthians fans there, and one thing is for sure: I already know. In my mind, since I arrived here, wherever we go there will be a Corinthians fan. That’s really cool, really nice. It’s an extra incentive and just shows how big Corinthians is.”

“The game ended, right, then afterwards we went and did the surgery. Then the goalkeeping coach sent a message. I said, ‘man, I would break my whole hand if I had to. I could break all five fingers,’ because it’s so worth it. It’s something unprecedented, something that everyone who’s been here since the start of the project has always aimed for, always wanted. I said: ‘man, I think it’s the most important moment in the club’s history,’ I would break my whole hand, it was totally worth it. I went through a lot of pain, I confess, but I’m sure it was all worth it for this trophy and for this spot in the World Cup,” she concluded.

Since arriving at Corinthians at the beginning of 2024, Nicole has played 48 matches wearing the Corinthians shirt, all as a starter, and has established herself as the first-choice goalkeeper throughout 2025. In total, there have been 31 wins, 12 draws, and only five losses – almost a 73% success rate. In addition, she has won four titles: Conmebol Libertadores (2024 and 2025) and the Brazilian Championship (2024 and 2025).

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