Ana Rafaela Hermes da Silva

Rafinha’s move to Kazakhstan showed her courage, as she left her family, friends and familiar life in Brazil to chase her football dream abroad.

She has a softer side away from football, once comparing life to the sea that brings what is true and washes away what is not.

Rafinha’s time with BIIK-Kazygurt opened her world, giving her the chance to play in the Women’s Champions League and learn from a very different football culture.

Rafinha once visited her younger brother’s classroom to talk about life as a professional footballer, and what was meant to be a small chat quickly turned into a full lecture.

Rafinha’s first surgery came after a lateral meniscus injury, but she faced the moment with calm, faith and a clear focus on recovery.