The Women’s U-20 National Team reported to Portugal on Sunday (31) to play three friendlies against Finland, South Korea, and the hosts. The reporting day was even more special for center back Sofia and forwards Brendha and Emilly, of Flamengo, who won the Brasileirão Women’s U-20 title on Friday (29).
The players were also on the field in 2024, when Flamengo lifted the tournament trophy, and in 2025, when the team finished as runner-up. It is worth noting that, in both years, the final was against Botafogo. They celebrated the back-to-back title and the opportunity to wear the Yellow Jersey again.
“It’s the stage every player dreams of. I’m very happy about the back-to-back title (in the Brasileirão Women’s U-20) and the call-up. This is the result of a lot of hard work, and having this reward is very gratifying,” said Brendha.
“It was a very anxious week, both because of the call-up and the final. We were very happy to play at the same venue where we had previously been champions (Luso-Brasileiro Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro),” said Sofia.
“It was a huge emotion because I was focused only on the final, since I still hadn’t been called up. I received the call-up news one day before the decider, and it gave me extra fuel to give everything I had. I can’t describe the feeling of being champion and being able to come to the National Team,” said Emilly, who was called up after fellow forward Gisele, of Grêmio, was cut due to injury.
On Friday (29), Flamengo beat São Paulo 2-1 at Luso Brasileiro Stadium and won the Brasileirão Women’s U-20 title. In the first leg, Flamengo had already won 1-0.
The Women’s U-20 National Team began preparations for the June friendliesCredits: Luciana Vermell/CBF
TOP SCORER
Brendha was the top scorer of the Brasileirão Women’s U-20, with 13 goals. The forward reached the same mark in 2025, when Flamengo finished as runner-up in the tournament.
The player is already used to the weight of the Yellow Jersey. In February 2026, she won the Women’s U-20 South American Championship with the National Team. Even so, Brendha said she has no words to explain the feeling of representing her country.
“It’s something indescribable. Every time I look at this jersey, I think, ‘I’m living a dream.’ It always feels like the first time. Wearing Brazil’s shirt is not something normal, and I’m very happy when I look back and see that everything I went through was worth it.”
The team coached by Camilla Orlando is based in Oliveira de Azeméis, in Aveiro (POR), for three friendlies against Finland, South Korea, and Portugal. The team is preparing for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be played in September this year, in Poland.
Brendha assessed the preparation period and highlighted how important it is to make the most of every moment in order to reap the rewards in the future.
“Our call-up period is very short, but we’re going to make the most of it. We have a very good connection and exchange, both on and off the field, and that helps a lot. Because it’s a shorter period, we go into the games more switched on and try to be more connected with one another,” she concluded.
The Women’s U-20 National Team began preparations for the June friendliesCredits: Luciana Vermell/CBF
SCHEDULE
June 3 | Wednesday
Finland x Brazil – 7 a.m. (Brasília time) – Dr. Carlos Osório Stadium, Aveiro (POR)
June 6 | Saturday
Brazil x South Korea – 7 a.m. (Brasília time) – Conde Dias Garcia Stadium, Aveiro (POR)
June 9 | Tuesday
Portugal x Brazil – 11:30 a.m. (Brasília time) – Dr. Carlos Osório Stadium, Aveiro (POR)
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
