“It confirmed I’m capable, that I deserve it”, says Ana Elisa on U20 recall | OneFootball

Winning the South American U-17 Championship on March 31, 2024, was quite literally etched into her skin. Center back Ana Elisa decided to immortalize the title with a tattoo, a symbol of one of the most remarkable moments of her journey wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt. Now, just over a year later, she begins a new chapter: her first call-up to the U-20 National Team.

“Winning the South American Championship was indescribable. It’s a moment I made eternal in myself—I got a tattoo—because it’s something we dream about since childhood,” she said.

Center back Ana Elisa’s tattoo made to immortalize the 2024 South American titleCredits: Fabio Souza/CBF

After being discovered through a tryout for Centro Olímpico, the defender has built a steady career. She is now in her seventh season with Ferroviária and has earned call-ups to Brazil’s youth national teams. Ana Elisa recalled the emotion of living that dream at such a young age.

“My first call-up was in 2023. I was 15, 16 years old. It was always something I really aimed for. Wearing this shirt was the perfect embodiment of my dreams, and experiencing that was incredible,” she recalled.

After nearly a year without being called up, her return to the national team took on special meaning in the center back’s career. According to her, the news came at just the right time.

“It was something I really wanted. I spent practically a year without being called up and was training hard to come back. I wasn’t expecting it, but it came when I needed it most. It was like confirmation that I’m capable, that I deserve it,” she celebrated.

The friendlies against the United States will be opportunities for Ana Elisa to gradually regain her place.

Ana Elisa on the second day of preparation for Brazil’s friendlies against the USA in Kansas Credits: Fabio Souza/CBF

“I’m trying to give my best, loosen up little by little, but giving it everything I’ve got. I want to help the team and this coaching staff, which is wonderful.”

The player also assessed the challenge of joining the U-20 National Team and the group’s role in that adaptation process. “It’s different from what I’ve experienced before. It’s harder, more complicated, but these are experiences that will help me grow a lot.”

“The players help a lot, they support me, they talk to me. The coaching staff is very welcoming and receptive. That’s helping me open up and develop better on the field,” she added.

Brazil will take the field for the first friendly against the Americans on April 11 at CPKC Stadium. The second match will take place on the 15th at Riverside Stadium, both in Kansas, United States. Ana Elisa expects intense clashes against one of the main powers in women’s football.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult, intense, complicated game. If we can put everything we’ve been training into practice on the field, it’s going to be a very good match. It will also help us see what we need to improve to arrive well-prepared for the World Cup,” she concluded.

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