After almost giving up on her dream for a public service exam to shining in Georgia, the midfielder from Pará is now preparing for the Women’s Champions League.
The landscape of Brazilian women’s football, although rapidly evolving, still presents significant challenges, especially for athletes outside major urban centers. This reality, marked by instability and a lack of proper structure, nearly led Thaissinha, from Pará, to hang up her boots prematurely. The midfielder, who played for traditional teams in Pará for almost a decade, even considered a radical life change, seeking the security of a public service exam for the Police force.
However, destiny had other plans for the talented player. Today, at 22 years old, Thaissinha has not only reinvented her career but has reached a level that seemed distant: she plays for WFC Lusso in Georgia and is preparing to compete in the qualifying rounds of the prestigious Women’s Champions League. A turnaround that highlights the power of a dream and persistence amidst the adversities of the sport.
Disenchantment and a Near Goodbye in Brazil
Born in Belém, Pará, Thaísa Renata Assunção Pereira grew up with a ball at her feet, starting her journey at Tuna Luso and later establishing herself at Esmac, a benchmark for women’s futsal in Pará. Despite her talent and dedication, the financial and structural reality of national women’s football began to take its toll. At 22, disillusioned, Thaissinha informed her grandparents, her main support system, of her decision to abandon professional football.
I was already quite disheartened. The reality of women’s football, especially outside the major capitals, was very difficult. I told my grandparents that I didn’t want to continue and that I would only play as a hobby. They were sad but understood.
An Unexpected Turnaround: A New Chapter in São Paulo
The fresh start, which seemed unlikely, came in 2023, through an old teammate. The invitation to play for Realidade Jovem in the Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Championship) was seen by Thaissinha as a last resort before a definitive farewell. Little did she know that this opportunity would be a turning point in her life, rekindling her passion for the sport.
She told me to go, that it wouldn’t hurt to try. I accepted, and that ended up being a turning point in my life.
Bravery in Peruvian Lands
Her convincing performances in the Campeonato Paulista attracted the interest of Alianza Lima, from Peru, providing the Brazilian with her first international experience. Facing a new culture and an unknown language, far from her family, required courage. The midfielder overcame her fears and embraced the challenge, winning the National Championship and playing in the Libertadores. Her connection with the Peruvian fans, who welcomed her warmly, persists to this day.
Heading to Georgia: A Winning Bet
After a brief stint with Avaí/Kindermann in Brazil, instability knocked at her door once again. That’s when an offer from Georgia, a country she knew little about, emerged. Initial hesitation gave way to the conviction that it was the best path. At WFC Lusso, Thaissinha found not only a new home but an environment of professionalism and support that propelled her forward.
Adaptation required patience, with communication in English and the gradual learning of Georgian. In her first season, the midfielder won the Georgian Championship and the National Cup, securing the club an unprecedented spot in the qualifying rounds of the Women’s Champions League. A remarkable achievement for someone who almost gave up.
The Impact of International Football and the Desire to Return
Analyzing her progress, Thaissinha highlights the physical and tactical improvement provided by her experiences abroad. Financial stability was also crucial for her to remain away from Brazil, which, although seeing women’s football grow, still lacks consistent structures in many clubs.
There’s a considerable difference. Here, I have a professional contract, structure, and all the necessary support. In Brazil, the sport has grown significantly, but there are still clubs that cannot offer this security to athletes.
Despite her European success, Thaissinha doesn’t hide her desire to return to Brazilian football in the future, motivated by the increasing technical level of national competitions. However, the focus now is the Champions League.
The Emotion of a Dream Come True
The opportunity to compete in one of the biggest European women’s football competitions is, for Thaissinha, a daily reminder of her journey and triumph over adversity. Every training session, every game for WFC Lusso in the Women’s Champions League, is a step that validates her courage not to give up, transforming her near-abandonment into a testament of pure passion and resilience.
Every day I remember everything I went through to get here. Just a few years ago, I didn’t even know if I could leave my home state, and today I’m going to play in a Champions League. This motivates me greatly and makes me want to seize every opportunity that football is giving me.
Thaissinha‘s story is a powerful example of how passion can move mountains, inspiring other athletes to persist in their dreams, even when adversities seem insurmountable. Brazil, and women’s football, are cheering her on in this new and exciting stage.