With the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ now held every year, young female footballers across the globe are delighted, but few more so than Brazil’s Giovana “Gi” Iseppe. Without this new development, the 17-year-old striker, who celebrated her birthday on 10 October, would still be waiting for her first World Cup experience.
The Sao Paulo FC player was due to take part in last year’s campaign in the Dominican Republic, but she was forced to forgo the trip due to injury and watch her team-mates head to the Caribbean without her. Twelve months on at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™, the Seleção have already bettered their 2024 performance, and Gi Iseppe is basking in the glory, having already scored three goals at the tournament.
“I always talk about perseverance and never giving up on your ambitions,” the young Brazilian told FIFA after her team’s 3-0 round of 16 win over China PR. “After everything I’ve been through, it feels really rewarding to be going through all this now.”
The teenager fired home the equaliser in the group phase against Costa Rica (1-1), then added to her tally in the sensational defeat by Italy (4-3) before sealing the deal against China PR. In a side where every striker is in sparkling form in this tournament, the young Brazilian has carved out a place for herself and is now proving irreplaceable. The Verde-Amarelas’ goals are clearly not just down to the emergence of Evelin or young star Giovanna Waksman, who was forced off with an injury in the round of 16.
“We understand how valuable these girls are and what they mean to the team as a whole. One player may shine brighter than another according to the media and fans, which can lead to a sense of dependence on a particular individual, but we have a fantastic team,” said coach Rilany Silva. “When one girl comes off, we keep creating chances and scoring goals. It just goes to show our team’s strength in depth. Gi Iseppe adds to the mix.”
“Like our coach says, the team always comes before the individual,” said Gi Iseppe. “We have incredible team chemistry. There’s a real understanding between us.”
The smiling Brazilian is also highly regarded by everyone in the dressing room. “She’s my best friend, I love her,” said goalkeeper Ana Morganti. “I’ve never met a better person in my entire life. She’s incredible and so resilient. Having been through so much, she’s amazing. I think she’ll turn out to be a top professional player.”
With Brazil attempting to qualify for the first semi-final in their history in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Gi Iseppe is reaping the rewards of her hard work in the run-up to the tournament. “I really focused on my nutrition and didn’t go out much. I just stayed at home to rest,” said the Sao Paulo forward. “This time around, I’m focusing more on identifying where I can improve. I also spend my time analysing our team. Even at my club, I’d always be watching the Seleção.”
While the forward’s smile is back, putting her feelings into words has become more difficult than scoring goals against the opposition. “I can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy to be helping the team write history for Brazil,” she said.
