From surprise to chance: Isabela Puccinelli eyes U20 call-up

From surprise to chance: Isabela Puccinelli eyes U20 call-up

Isabela Puccinelli is experiencing another remarkable chapter wearing the Brazil U-20 national team jersey and, this time, in an unexpected way. Called up on the eve of the first friendly against the United States, when Brazil was beaten 2-0 last Saturday (11), the player went through a whirlwind of emotions when she received the news. The new opportunity came after changes to Brazil’s senior national team: forward Evelin was called up by coach Arthur Elias to replace Jheniffer for the FIFA Series, opening up space for Puccinelli to join the U-20 squad.

The surprise turned into motivation to earn her place in the group preparing for the World Cup in the category.

“It was a huge surprise. I woke up on the day of my college game already in match mode, and they called me saying I was coming to the national team. I was incredibly grateful,” recalls Puccinelli, who plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team.

The forward from Paraná had already been monitored by the coaching staff. Her first call-up came in August 2024, during the U-17 team’s preparation for the World Cup. Months later, she wore the Yellow Jersey again in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay in November 2025. Now, at 18, she sees this new phase as a chance to reaffirm herself within the group.

“My expectation is always to win, score goals, and I want to go to the World Cup. I want to help the team, enjoy every moment, and carry these lessons with me for life.”

Isabela Puccinelli in training with the Brazil national team at Kansas City Current’s training centerCredits: Fabio Souza/CBF

Development in the United States

Having lived in the United States for two years, Puccinelli plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team, balancing soccer with her Sports Business studies. Her experience in the country has been key to her development on the field.

“It’s a much more physical, more intense game. I was already somewhat familiar with that, so it was easier to understand what to expect.”

Even with her academic focus, she is keeping her football plans alive. The forward intends to finish college, but her dream is to pursue a professional football career and, above all, continue representing Brazil. And amid the competition for a place at the World Cup, Puccinelli remains grounded and reinforces the meaning of wearing the national team jersey.

“It’s a privilege to represent my country and the people who support me. I’m very grateful to God for everything He has done in my life.”

Now part of the group that will face the United States, Puccinelli sees the training sessions and the next friendly as an important opportunity to show her potential and earn more space in the team.

“It’s going to be a very physical, very demanding game. But if we fine-tune the details and play with the goal in mind, we can have a great match.”

The second match between Brazil and the United States will take place on Wednesday (15) in Kansas and is part of the team’s preparation for the U-20 World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.