Brazil midfielder, who has played at seven Olympics and seven World Cups, makes final international appearance on Thursday at 43, against India in Amazonas’s largest city Manaus, after a record 234 caps.
Miraildes Maciel Mota known by her pitch name, Formiga, has decided to step back from the international game for the second time after retiring in 2016, only to be coaxed back two years later, having made her Brazil debut aged 17.
The 26-year career of the legendary number 8 is laced with two Olympic silver medals, in 2004 and 2008, a runner-up medal at the 2007 World Cup, as well as a third-place finish at the 1999 World Cup. Add to that collection three Pan American Games and six Copa América Femenino titles.
Formiga (Portuguese nickname meaning “ant,” given for a style of play), who left Paris Saint-Germain in June to sign with São Paulo FC (her first club) until December 2022, has spent time in Sweden, the US and France (where she helped Paris Saint-Germain to a first league title last season) around playing for eight Brazilian teams.
Her mother, who is terrified of flying, has never seen her daughter play live. Today Dona Celeste faced her fears and flew to Manaus to see her only girl among five children, Formiga make the final appearance of her extraordinary Brazil career.
“It was one of the greatest gifts to have my mother here this time. So many times I’ve dreamed of it. I’ve bought tickets so many times and she’s always bullshitting me, right?” Formiga.
When Formiga was born, playing football in Brazil was illegal for women. Her influence has given hope and pathways for young girls who wishes to play football.
The Bahia-born player influence on Brazilian football is immense. To prove it, Marta presented a flower with her knee down on ground and took the mic at full-time to pay homage to a fellow legend of the game.
“An honor to watch the last game of our amazing Formiga at this beautiful stadium.”
MOLATsportgist 