The FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ kicks off in less than two years, and Amanda Gutierres is already envisioning her goal-scoring celebrations should she take part.
The top scorer at the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa America Feminina, in addition to winning the tournament with Brazil, Amanda already has a signature celebration, framing her face with open hands on each side – a gesture with huge potential to be copied by aspiring young footballers.
Yet even the world’s top athletes have their role models, and for Amanda, it’s Cristiane. When Amanda was born in 2001, Cristiane was almost 16 years old. Just over a year later in 2002, the now-veteran was playing in the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship™, finding the back of the net twice. That was just the opening chapter of her long and storied career in the colours of Brazil.
Today, Cristiane is, by definition, a ‘FIFA Legend’ – an official designation for players who achieve certain milestones, such as winning world titles or scoring more than five goals in FIFA World Cups – Cristiane has scored 11. What’s more, she is still excelling at Flamengo, sitting among the top three leading scorers in Brazil’s women’s top flight this year.
The pair were teammates at Santos, training daily and competing for a place, but Amanda treats Cristiane as an idol, with the reverence that her generation reserves for the Seleção’s legends, and she understands the importance of keeping that legacy alive.
“It’s obviously a huge responsibility, following in the footsteps of Cristiane and her whole incredible story,” Amanda said in an interview with FIFA. “Comparisons aside, what really matters are the goals that everyone scores and everything that she has contributed to the Seleção. I draw inspiration from the way Cris plays when she is inside the box – there is no-one like her, but above all, I’m inspired by her journey, for everything she has achieved.”
After the Copa America, FIFA arranged a surprise for Amanda: Cristiane recorded a personal message for her 24-year-old ‘heiress’ which was played to the striker during an interview at Palmeiras’ training ground in Sao Paulo.
“In this little message for Amanda, I first want to congratulate her,” Cristiane began. “It’s a very important moment, and one that every athlete hopes to experience. She is now reaping the rewards of years of hard work. She’s still very young, with a long career ahead of her, and I am right behind her to keep pushing on to the top.
“To continue being among the best in the world, to live it to the fullest, and to enjoy every moment. We’ll be cheering for her, and for all the girls, to carry forward this title-winning generation which has been years in the making and which is now thriving. It’s a source of tremendous pride for her and especially her family, to be living through this moment.”
Amanda beamed as she watched: “I’m very happy to get this message from Cris. She’s a role model for me, a global role model.”
During her interview with FIFA, Amanda chose a song as the soundtrack for her life: “Mire As Estrelas” (Aim for the Stars) by the group, Rosa de Saron. “So aim for the stars, leap as high as you can. Take a moment and give it your best – just don’t live in the shadow of ‘maybe’, because we only have one shot at life,” the lyrics say.
The girl who once sold vegetables in the market with her uncles is now winning. She’s already leaping higher than her opponents – especially for headers – but it’s clear the striker is also setting her sights higher and aiming for the stars. When asked about the biggest dream of her career, Amanda didn’t hesitate:
“To win the World Cup with Brazil.”
The stage is set. In 2027, the football fields of Brazil will host 32 teams, all hungry for the world title, but few will be more motivated than the home side. Brazil have yet to win the Women’s World Cup and are chasing their first star.
“It’s a childhood dream,” said Amanda. “Expectations are sky-high, especially since it’s being held in Brazil. Every athlete dreams of such a moment, with family members at the matches, Brazilian fans filling the stadiums… I’m already excited. Time goes by very quickly, and we’ll be preparing to win this title on home soil.”
“I think the Women’s World Cup in Brazil will be extraordinary, just like the men’s 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil. The country comes alive for the World Cup. It’s going to be sensational,” she added.
After topping the scoring charts at the Copa America, she is now a likely contender for the Golden Boot at the World Cup. She admitted she’s already counting down the days to 2027, eager to continue making history with the Seleção.
“Well, the World Cup is coming…will I be there? How will I celebrate my goals? And having my whole family watching the games in the stands… I’ve already been thinking about that a lot. I can’t wait for 2027,” Amanda said.
She also highlighted that the Copa America was a great competitive warm-up for the Canarinha – especially in the epic, hard-fought final against Colombia.
“The Copa America has come a long way, and it’s helped us to prepare even better for the World Cup,” she observed. “Finishing as the top scorer meant a lot to me because of all the work I’ve put in and the support of my teammates, but it’s even sweeter to be the top scorer as part of a winning Seleção! It represents so much more – it’s the result of all the hard work.”
