Ana Borges

Defender • Age 36 • #11

Ana Catarina Marques Borges is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a defender and winger. She has represented Portugal at both youth and senior international level, becoming one of the most capped players in the history of Portuguese women's football.

Photo: IMAGO | Sportpix

Fun Facts about Ana

Discover more than stats. Get more of who she is.

She moved abroad at just 17. Spanish club Prainsa Zaragoza discovered her through YouTube videos of Portugal's youth national team and offered her an opportunity in Spain.

She initially preferred playing football with boys. Growing up in Vinhó, Portugal, she played with her brothers and friends before a neighbour persuaded her to try organised women's football.

She once dreamed of becoming a professional surfer. Surfing was one of the alternative career paths she considered for her future beyond football.

She has played almost everywhere on the pitch. Originally a centre-back, she later moved into full-back, winger and forward positions during her career.

Her time in the United States changed her perspective on women's football. She was impressed by how visible female footballers were in advertising and public campaigns compared with what she had experienced elsewhere.