Lelê shines with crucial saves as Brazil win FIFA Series title

Lelê shines with crucial saves as Brazil win FIFA Series title

With key saves, Lelê was crucial as Brazil won the FIFA SeriesCredits: Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Goalkeeper Lelê shone on Saturday night (18) as Brazil claimed the FIFA Series title, making important saves in the final against Canada. Near the end of the match, Brazil was down to 10 players after midfielder Ary Borges was sent off and came under repeated Canadian pressure.

The opponents’ attacks only failed thanks to the Brazilian keeper, who was crucial in stopping Canadian shots in the 41st and 50th minutes of the second half and keeping the score at 1-0 — Aline Gomes scored the title-winning goal.

With the trophy secured, Lelê celebrated the achievement, revealed in an interview that she had been dealing with “depression” in recent times, and said she would remain available to guard Brazil’s goal for as long as “her body holds up.”

Lelê during the Brazilian national anthem before the FIFA Series match between Brazil and CanadaCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

“It’s incredibly rewarding, I’m so happy. Besides the injury, I went through depression, which many people don’t know about. And being here, able to do what I love most, is impossible to explain. I’m very emotional. The only thing I think about is stepping onto the field and giving my best for the at every moment of my career, for as long as I can and my body holds up.”