"Having the support of the crowd is really motivating." | Interview with goalkeeper Aline Reis

Aline Reis , goalkeeper of the Brazilian national team, will be representing us at the 2019 World Cup in France. The games start on June 7, at 4 pm, Brasilia time. Brazil debuts on Sunday, the 9th, at 10:30 am, against Jamaica.

We are honored to have her as an ambassador for the #JogueComoUmaGarota campaign, where we mobilized 21 cities in the country, in 13 states + DF. I mean, we, with the help of incredible women who are live streaming the games in Brazil. All official #CopadoMundo2019 bars are managed by women, but in general you can go cheer on the team.

We talked to Aline to find out more about her life, the difficulties and joys that football brings her.



( • ) How was your career in football, since you decided to be a professional player until you played in the World Cup in 2019?

ALINE: Like most players in Brazil, I started playing soccer with the boys. It was on the street, on the neighborhood blocks, with friends from the building, until I heard that Guarani FC had a women's team. Playing with the boys was so much fun, although I had to put up with some macho pranks from some jokers. But when, aged 12, I passed the Guarani test and for the first time I was part of a women's team, I was delighted with that opportunity. It was a different environment than what I had experienced until then. No one there made fun of anyone for being a girl and playing football. We were all in the same boat, united by a passion. Loved the environment! We had fun, supported each other and charged each other too! All in pursuit of the same dreams! I grew up in that club. I stayed from 12 to 18. Without realizing it, I was empowered with each passing day.

From Guarani I went straight to the United States. I received a scholarship to the University of Central Florida to play and study. I was very happy on this team, I won titles, won awards and became a woman. In the 10 years I spent there I learned even more about the importance of women's fight for equal rights. The United States is true pioneers in this fight. I never felt so valued as I did there.

After finishing college, I played a professional season in Finland, but then the opportunity arose to pursue a master's degree and become a goalkeeping coach. At that moment it seemed the right thing to do. I followed my heart and immersed myself in the new challenge. After four seasons as a coach, I realized I had retired the gloves too soon. It was then that I made the decision to return to play and I came to Brazil in 2016, where I played in the Campeonato Brasileiro and Paulista for Ferroviária and received a new opportunity in the Brazilian national team, which I have been serving ever since. I currently play in Liga Iberdrola, Spanish first division.

Of all these comings and goings, what stands out the most to me is the unconditional support of my family, especially my mother. Since I was 12 until now, there have been many difficulties, uncertainties and challenges, but I have never lacked support and much love from the people close to me. Support at home is key! My mother has always been a warrior, displaying impressive strength. In the United States I had two female mentors who supported me a lot and at home I have my life partner, who encouraged me to continue my career as a player and helps me day after day to achieve my goals.

( • ) What are the main difficulties that women find in the profession of player?

Although Brazilian women's football has tradition and a history of great performances in world competitions, our modality still suffers a lot in Brazil. In my opinion, the biggest problem is the lack of investment, which results in a lack of structures in the clubs and a financial difficulty for most players. In addition, women's football is still very lacking in visibility. What hinders the growth of the modality. Visibility can help us combat two other difficulties that women face: prejudice and sexism.

( • ) You've been playing for Brazil since 2016, how did it feel to be called up for the first time, to be in a stadium wearing the national team's shirt?

ALINE: My first call-up to the main Brazilian national team was in 2009, when I was 20 years old. Wearing the shirt of your national team is the dream of every player. It is the highest recognition of your work. That's how I felt. A dream come true and a feeling of reward for all the day-to-day dedication.

In 2016 I had the opportunity to play in the Olympics, in Manaus, with more than 40 thousand spectators, most of them Brazilians. It was a defining moment in my life!

( • ) How are your expectations for the World Cup, compared to the results of the last few months and the trajectory of the selection in cups?

Our preparation for this World Cup was very turbulent. We lost some essential parts due to injuries, we had ups and downs and we received a lot of criticism. But calm seas don't make a good sailor. I'm sure of one thing, all women who choose women's football are fighters since they start playing. Our selection is a reflection of that. Warriors who fought hard and overcame many things to get where they are. That's why Brazil always surprises. Our word is overcoming.

( • ) For the first time in history, the Women's World Cup will be broadcast on an open TV channel. How is it to know that more people will have access to the game and will cheer for you?

Gratifying. For the first time, a women's football competition will be broadcast on open TV. This visibility is a big step for the modality. In the Olympics, the media was essential for us. We had overwhelming support. The Brazilian got to know a little more about women's football and fell in love. My expectation is that this impact will be even greater during the World Cup.

( • ) Why is the crowd important to the team?

Having the support of the fans is really a motivation. It makes us understand even more the responsibility we have to represent an entire nation. I feel even more proud to represent Brazil and make sport this platform to influence people to fight for their dreams and understand the importance of women's sport.

( • ) Why should people stop to watch the games in Brazil?

The visibility of our work and women's football helps to deconstruct prejudices. We want to show all of Brazil the true face of Brazilian women's football, based on the passion for football, on overcoming difficulties and on the idea that we are free and strong to live our dreams.

Football is the greatest national passion, and regardless of male or female, we hope to have the support of Brazilian men and women.

( • ) What is playing like a girl to you?

Playing as a girl is about courage. Courage to overcome prejudices and challenge a society that still imposes many limits on women. Courage to make choices and make your own decisions, even if they deviate from the standard of what is generally expected of us. Playing as a girl is fighting as a minority, even when we are the majority. Playing as a girl is being free to chart our own destiny, whatever that may be.

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