Érika Cristiano

Érika started playing football at age seven at the school of Corinthians idol Marcelinho Carioca. Her family could not afford the fees, but she earned a scholarship and became the school’s first girl.

She grew up as a Corinthians fan.

Her father worked as a bus driver, and during her youth-football years she sometimes used that bus-driver community to get to training when money was tight.

As a teenager, she also did modeling before choosing football boots over runways and high heels.

Her matchday ritual includes prayer, music, and thinking about her two nephews; she also keeps a shin guard with their photo.

She sees encouraging girls as part of her responsibility because she remembers being a young player who did not always receive that kind of attention.

She also played futsal at Associação Sabesp, where the rules were reportedly changed so she could compete against adults at age 12.

Brazil legend Sissi once gave Érika a long-sleeved Brazil shirt, and Érika has kept it as a special memory.