Rita Bove

Rita Bove started playing futsal with boys at the age of 10, before joining an adult women's football team when she was only 14 because there were no girls' youth teams in her area.

She grew up in Flórida Paulista, São Paulo, where football had been part of her life since childhood.

Rita earned a degree in Physical Education and later completed a postgraduate specialization in Exercise Physiology, balancing university studies with her football career.

Before becoming a full-time professional footballer, she worked as a football school coach, saying the experience helped supplement her income while also developing her as a professional.

Brazil's silver-medal run at the 2004 Olympic Games inspired her to pursue football more seriously, with Marta, Formiga, Cristiane and Juliana Cabral becoming important role models.

Her favourite film is Peaceful Warrior (Poder Além da Vida), her favourite meal is Brazilian barbecue (churrasco), and she enjoys going to the cinema in her spare time.

She enjoys listening to sertanejo, one of Brazil's most popular country music genres.

Rita has spoken openly about experiencing sexism in football. As a child, a school teacher refused to let her play football with the boys, telling her that "girls don't play football." Years later, the same teacher congratulated her after following her professional career.

One of the most memorable moments of her career was receiving her first Brazil U20 national team call-up, which she described as recognition of her hard work and motivation to keep improving.