Duda Sampaio Celebrates 50 Caps for Brazil: “It Still Hasn’t Sunk In”

A heartfelt tribute unfolded in the press room at Neo Química Arena on Friday evening as Duda Sampaio prepared to address the media. The Brazilian midfielder was presented with a special honor recognizing her 50th appearance for the national team, which she will achieve during the upcoming friendly match against the United States on Saturday.

The ceremony was spearheaded by Cris Gambaré, the coordinator for the Women’s National Teams, who reflected on Duda’s growth and the trust built with head coach Arthur Elias. “Duda, thank you for your story. Thank you, truly, for everything you are doing for our Brazilian National Team,” Gambaré expressed, setting a warm tone for the event.

Coach Arthur Elias then gifted Duda a commemorative jersey emblazoned with the number 50, marking this significant milestone. Overwhelmed with emotion, Duda shared her feelings about this achievement. “I’m very happy with this moment. I don’t think I fully realize yet how big it is to reach 50 games for the Brazilian National Team,” she noted, reminiscing about her early days filled with nerves during her initial call-ups.

Originally from the small town of Jequeri in Minas Gerais, Duda began her football journey on a dirt field near her home, playing alongside her brother. With a successful career now established, she took the initiative to renovate that childhood field into a proper grass pitch, showcasing her commitment to giving back to her roots.

At just 25 years old, Duda has played for several clubs, including América-MG and Corinthians, where she has thrived since 2023. Her national team debut came in 2022, and she has since participated in the 2023 World Cup, earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and claimed two Copa América titles. With a record of 36 wins, four draws, and nine losses in her 49 caps, Duda is a key player in the Brazilian squad.

As she approaches this milestone match, Duda aims to deliver a strong performance against the United States, a team Brazil defeated in a memorable comeback last time they met. “Facing the United States is always a great opportunity,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of these matches as they prepare for future competitions. The friendly match will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, with Brazil set to travel to Fortaleza for another game on Tuesday.