A country known for its rich footballing tradition, Brazil starts the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with designs on a first-ever trophy after a runner-up finish in 2007 and a bronze medal in 1999.
Yet even with that great expectation – and a deep understanding of it – Ary Borges talks about this summer’s World Cup with her usual dose of composure and joy. The 23-year-old who stars for Racing Louisville is representing her nation for the first time in the world’s biggest tournament, and she can’t wait bring her flair and fire to Seleção Brasileira de Futebol Feminino’s fight for a trophy.
“We (keep building) on what the previous generations have done,” Borges said through a translator. “We’ve learned from the mistakes we’ve made so we can play better. Our younger generation brings the joy and energy to the games. It’s a big dream to win, and we go to the World Cup with that vibe.”
Brazil opens the World Cup on Monday, kicking off its much-anticipated campaign against Panama in Group F action. The Brazilians then have one of the most anticipated group stage games of the tournament on July 29 against France. They’ll round out the group stage on Aug. 2 against Jamaica.
Borges is expected to be in the middle of it all, starting in central midfield and feeding star attackers Debinha, Kerolin and Marta, among other standouts. The São Luis native has four goals in 26 appearances for her national team, and she played a key role in pushing the Brazilians to the 2022 Copa América Femenina title.
“The responsibility is big, but the more I wear the jersey, the better it gets,” Borges said. “It gives me confidence. I’m doing what I love doing. To get there and play for that jersey, we try not to bring that thought of playing with that responsibility to the field – it gets in the way. Every time we play, there are butterflies in the stomach, but we just keep playing and getting more comfortable.”
The standout midfielder enters the World Cup in great form, having impressed in her first four months with Racing Louisville. She is a key piece in one of the NWSL’s top midfields, immediately building great chemistry with young Americans Jaelin Howell and Savannah DeMelo. All three are having excellent seasons as Racing makes a push for its first-ever NWSL playoff appearance and the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals.
Borges has two goals and an assist in 16 appearances across all competitions, posting a 7.17 average FotMob match rating, which ranks in the top 50 in the league. She credited the physicality and transitional nature of the NWSL in helping prepare her for the World Cup after moving to the league this offseason after three years at São Paulo powerhouse Palmeiras.
“The expectation of the physicality here is stronger than the league in Brazil,” said Borges. “It’s how I train for the national team. It’s been great. In the beginning, I had some challenges, but I have to be grateful to this team and the players who have helped me a lot. In the midfield with Sav and Jaelin, they have been helping me. They talk a lot. They have the same style of coaching. It’s been crucial.”
The first Racing home game of the year put on full display what Borges can do. She tracked down a poor clearance on the edge of the box and rifled a left-footed half-volley into the far post corner, wheeling away in delight. And, of course, she showed Racing fans at Lynn Family Stadium her new celebration dance.
Borges hopes to bring that same energy to the World Cup.
“To me, it’s the realization of a dream to play in the World Cup for a nation,” Borges said. “It’s the dream of every player, and everybody who strives to be a soccer player to represent their country, and it’s a dream come true.”
