Joana Valente

She spent five years at Estoril playing alongside boys before Benfica invited her to join the club.

Benfica has long been her “club of the heart” and turning down its invitation was never really an option. Her childhood ambition was to reach Benfica’s first team.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first name she gave when asked about her football idols.

In women's football, Kika Nazareth was her biggest idol.

She believes improving conditions for women's players come with responsibility too. Her view is that when players are given the same opportunities and facilities, they should respond by producing results.

Joana Valente won two Portuguese U19 league titles and two Lisbon U17 district titles with Benfica.