Evelin, Brazil's 5ft 1in 'giant', reaches new heights

As well as bagging a brace in Brazil's emphatic 4-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™, Evelin's performance was tactically faultless.

Not only did the 5ft 1in forward score two impressive goals, her tireless work ethic was just as impressive. Evelin covered every blade of grass at Bielsko-Biala Stadium, running the length of the channels, getting back in a matter of seconds to help her team out defensively, marking on set-pieces, and even becoming a "giant" in the words of her coach, Camilla Orlando.

"She's a player who will do anything we ask of her. Evelin knows exactly where to be, and also when to defend as well as attack. She uses her speed and vigour to her advantage. She's a fearless youngster [18 years old] who likes playing this way. She works hard for the team and embraces her tactical and defensive responsibilities. I call her a 'Giant'. She's our ‘Giant’," Orlando told FIFA.

But the highly talented Evelin is not only key to Brazil's hopes at this U-20 World Cup; having already made her senior international debut during the FIFA Series 2026™, she also has her sights set on representing the Amarelinha at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup™, on home soil.

"It's always important to go that one step further. I'm delighted about the opening game and helping the team with two goals," Evelin told FIFA. "I'll always dream big – about playing for the senior national team – but I want to work together with my team-mates so that we all make the step up to the senior team together."

Although the two teams were level at half-time – Thay opened the scoring for Brazil before Winfrida levelled from the spot for Tanzania – Nogueira teed up Evelin twice after the break to take the game away from the African side. Vitorinha then added a fourth to crown an already comfortable victory for the South Americans.

"We suffered a slight setback in the first half, but after Camilla spoke to us at half-time, we went back out more focused," explained the forward. "I want to fight for the cause!"