Nathy on becoming a keeper, Brazil's unity key at South American

Nathy on becoming a keeper, Brazil's unity key at South American

Nathy was called up by head coach Rilany Silva for the South American Women’s U-17 Championship. A starter in both matches played by the Brazilian National Team against Venezuela and Uruguay, the goalkeeper said there are no words to explain what it feels like to wear the Yellow Shirt in a continental competition.

"I can’t explain how happy I was, how grateful I am for the opportunity to come here and represent a nation. Since I was little, it has been my dream to represent this jersey. I have always done everything I could, and I will keep doing so, to step onto the field in the best way possible,” she said.

In an exclusive interview with CBF TV, she revealed that she used to play as an outfield player and, because her team needed it when she was little, she ended up becoming a goalkeeper.

Nathy during a Brazil Women’s U-17 training session in ParaguayCredits: Diana Carrillo/Staff Images/CBF

“It was very different, it wasn’t something I thought, ‘I want to be a goalkeeper.’ I played as a winger and the team needed a goalkeeper. I started training in goal and began to fall in love with the position,” she said.

Very communicative, Nathy is always talking to her teammates during matches. She explained how she manages to stay focused and deliver a good performance.

“The foundation of everything is stepping onto the field calm, with a clear mind. I always try to tune out everything that’s happening off the field so I can give my best and feel more confident to help the team.”