Ilana Mendonça

Ilana left home at just 15 to chase football, moving more than 3,000 km away from her family.

Her father helped spark her love of the game, because she grew up going with him to matches in Goiás.

She graduated in information technology, and has described herself as very connected to technology.

Teammates once nicknamed her “velha ranzinza” — “grumpy old lady” — because she demanded a lot and stayed on people’s case.

Fishing is one of Ilana’s favorite ways to relax away from football.

La Casa de Papel is one of Ilana’s favorite TV series.