Tainá Maranhão Set to Achieve 10th Cap for Brazil National Team

After a nine-month period, Tainá Maranhão is poised to make her 10th appearance for the Brazilian National Team this coming Saturday (6) in a match against the United States. As a promising talent in Brazilian women's football, the 21-year-old forward has made significant strides since she began her football journey at the age of 15, having first been called up to the U-17 squad in 2019.

Last October marked her debut in the senior team under coach Arthur Elias, and she has since earned five call-ups and played nine matches. In the six games the Canarinho has participated in this year, Maranhão has scored in three, including friendly matches against Costa Rica and competitive games against South Korea and Zambia during the FIFA Series.

During a press conference held on Wednesday (3), she expressed her enthusiasm for this stage of her career, especially given her relatively young age, as she turns 22 in August. "Everyone says I’m one of the youngest, and I take that as a good thing. Everything I see in the more experienced players, I try to absorb for myself and take as learning," Tainá shared.

This press event followed the second training session for the upcoming friendlies against the United States, set to take place in São Paulo and Fortaleza. A vital player for Palmeiras, Maranhão has celebrated significant achievements, including consecutive Paulista championships and the Copa do Brasil, and she feels ready to meet the expectations placed upon her. "I’m happy even because of the expectations. And I’m going to work to live up to everyone’s expectations," she assured.

Joining her in the national squad are club teammates Raissa Bahia and Bia Zaneratto, the latter being a seasoned player with 130 caps. "Everyone knows I’m very inspired by Bia, but there’s also Guti (Amanda Gutierres), who keeps me on my toes," Tainá noted, highlighting the camaraderie built over their two years together. "Everything is still very new to me, but I’m loving it," she concluded, as her speed and intensity have already made a mark on the team’s performance.