Three Brazil talents chasing U17 Women's World Cup glory

Brazil return to Morocco as South American champions, hoping to improve on fourth place finish at last year's U17 Women's  World Cup. Their squad features a prolific young striker from Rio de Janeiro, a promising São Paulo forward and one of the most experienced defenders in the competition.

With a place in the South American U17 Championship final at stake, Brazil's Nicolly Manuel stepped up to take the decisive penalty against Chile. Rather than opting for power or precision, the 16-year-old calmly chipped the ball down the middle to secure victory.

Three days later, Brazil came from behind to defeat Argentina 3:2 in the final, claiming their sixth continental title. Rilany Silva's side finished the tournament unbeaten, having scored 21 goals in six matches.

The triumph followed Brazil's best ever U17 World Cup campaign in 2025, when they finished fourth in Morocco. Although the squad has undergone significant changes, several players already have considerable international experience.

Nicolly Manuel: From Rio's Complexo da Maré to Flamengo

Sixteen-year-old striker Nicolly Manuel has enjoyed a remarkable rise through Brazilian youth football. She joined Flamengo from Complexo da Maré, a sprawling neighbourhood in northern Rio de Janeiro, and quickly established herself among older players.

By 2025, Flamengo had promoted her to their U20 squad. At this year's South American Championship, Nicolly scored twice in a 5:3 victory over Uruguay before producing her memorable penalty against Chile in the semifinals.

She also found the net in the final against Argentina, scoring Brazil's third goal just before half time. Her performances have established her as one of the team's most important attacking players, with a growing reputation for delivering when the stakes are highest.

Andreyna: Experienced leader in young Brazilian squad

While Nicolly represents the emerging generation, Andreyna Santiago Gonçalves da Silva provides something equally valuable: international experience.

The 17-year-old Ferroviária defender has already competed in three South American U17 Championships. She won her first continental title in 2024 and was part of the Brazilian squad that reached the World Cup semifinals last year.

By May 2026, Andreyna had received 13 national team call ups, making her one of the most experienced members of Rilany Silva's squad. Born in Cristais, a town in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, she has developed at Ferroviária, a club with a strong tradition in women's football.

With many of her teammates preparing for their first Women's World Cup, Andreyna's experience of knockout football could prove particularly important.

Sofia Gamonal: Sixteen-year-old forward making her mark

Brazil's comeback against Argentina in May began with Sofia Gamonal. After conceding in the fourth minute, the team needed a response, and the 16-year-old São Paulo forward delivered an equaliser in the 28th minute. Brazil went on to win 3:2, securing the continental title, with Gamonal playing a central role in the victory.

She had already represented Brazil at the 2025 U15 Liga Evolución, which the national team won after defeating Argentina on penalties in the final. At club level, Gamonal has continued her development at São Paulo, gaining experience in Brazilian youth competitions against older opposition.

The World Cup will provide another opportunity to test herself against international opponents. With making it to the knock out stage from the first place, the South American champions face a demanding route but will be hoping to be on top of things, relish the challenge and improve on their best so far.