From the Pitch to the Classroom: Isabela Puccinelli's Journey from Brazil to Arizona State and the U20 World Cup

Isabela Puccinelli's phone rang on the morning of a key college match. By the time she hung up, she was booked on a flight to join Brazil's U-20 national team. The call came as a last-minute change to the senior roster opened a spot, and suddenly the Parana-born forward was thrust into a new chapter of her young career.

It was a huge surprise. I woke up on the day of my college game already in match mode, and then they called me saying I was coming to the national team. It was an immense feeling of gratitude, Puccinelli recalled.

The 18-year-old plays her club football for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the United States, where she's spent the past two years developing both on and off the pitch. She's also working toward a degree in Sports Business, a path she's committed to even as her football ambitions burn bright. Her time in the American collegiate system has sharpened her game considerably.

It's a much more physical, more intense game, she said of the style difference compared to Brazil. I already knew a little about that, so it was easier to understand what to expect.

Puccinelli first caught the attention of Brazil's coaching staff during U-17 World Cup preparations in August 2024. She returned for senior youth friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay in November 2025. Now, called up on the eve of a friendly against the United States, she sees this window as a chance to solidify her standing within the group ahead of the U-20 World Cup.

My expectation is always to win, score goals, and I want to go to the World Cup. I want to help the team, make the most of every moment, and take these lessons with me for life, she said.

Brazil fell 2-0 to the United States in the first leg of their friendly series. Puccinelli is focused on the second match, scheduled for Wednesday in Kansas. She's aware the Americans present a demanding, physical challenge — but she's not intimidated.

It's going to be a very physical, very demanding match. But if we fine-tune the details and play with the goal in mind, we can have a great game.

For Puccinelli, wearing the Brazil jersey remains both a privilege and a responsibility she carries deeply.

It is a privilege to represent my country and the people who support me. I am very grateful to God for everything He has done in my life.

With the World Cup on the horizon, her journey from surprise call-up to integral squad member is one to watch.