Portuguese Goalkeeper Sets Sights on World Cup Glory After Winning Prestigious Award
Table of Contents
- Portuguese Goalkeeper Sets Sights on World Cup Glory After Winning Prestigious Award
- Benfica’s Futsal Star Inspires Next Generation of Players
- The Weight of Being the Best: A Conversation with a Futsal Icon
- A Conversation with Futsal Icon Ana Catarina: passion, Legacy, and Inspiring the Next Generation
Ana Catarina, the 32-year-old goalkeeper for Benfica, has once again been crowned the worldS best futsal goalkeeper. This latest accolade, coming after a two-year hiatus, marks a triumphant return to the top for the seasoned athlete.
With 18 years dedicated to Benfica, a club she has helped to numerous victories, Catarina’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent.Her recent win, she admits, was particularly emotional. “The reaction this time was even more emotional because I hadn’t won for two years in a row,” she shared. “And also, I wasn’t really expecting to win this time.”
Despite her previous success, including a Champions League victory in 2023, Catarina remained grounded, focusing on continuous betterment.”I always expect to be among the top 10 nominees, and obviously, I always want to win,” she explained.”But I’m also aware of when, perhaps, it wasn’t such a good year, and when it was a good year. But this time the reaction was more emotional because I hadn’t won for two years in a row, and also, I wasn’t really expecting to win.”
this victory, she believes, sets the stage for a prosperous 2025, a year that holds immense significance for women’s futsal with the first-ever FIFA World Cup. “I hope this is a good omen for everything to go perfectly in 2025,” she said.
Catarina’s ambition extends beyond individual accolades. She has set her sights on a World Cup triumph,acknowledging the challenges ahead. “The main objective is to be world champion,” she stated. “First of all, we need to qualify, which will be tough, as we face Italy, Hungary, and Sweden in March.”
Her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence make her a formidable force on the court, and a true inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Benfica’s Futsal Star Inspires Next Generation of Players
Ana catarina, a reigning world champion in futsal, is not only a phenomenal athlete but also a role model for aspiring young players.
Speaking about the current state of women’s futsal at Benfica, Ana Catarina expressed her confidence in the future of the sport. “Today, at Benfica, there are no shortage of role models for young girls,” she stated.
The club boasts a wealth of talent, with standout goalkeepers like Xana and Maria Inês, along with versatile players like Marta Costa, who recently joined Leões porto Salvo. Ana catarina believes these players provide invaluable inspiration for the next generation.
“I tell them, ‘Don’t just want to be the new Ana Catarina. Create your own name,leave your own mark without imitating anyone. You will carve your own path gradually, because these things take time,'” she shared.
Ana Catarina’s own journey to becoming a world champion serves as a testament to her dedication and perseverance. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and believing in oneself. “I was world champion for the first time at 26 years old. I finished second four times in a row before winning that award,” she revealed.
Her message to young players is clear: with dedication and belief, anything is possible.
The Weight of Being the Best: A Conversation with a Futsal Icon
She’s been crowned the world’s best four times,a feat that speaks volumes about her talent and dedication. But for this Portuguese futsal star, the recognition goes beyond trophies and accolades. It’s about the impact she has on her fans, her teammates, and the sport itself.
“Every time someone speaks to me, they say, ‘Look, you’re the best in the world.’ So, I feel that recognition,” she shares, her voice filled with humility. “A person walks past the stadium before a Benfica game, where there are lots of people, and the fans recognize me, talk to me, thank me. And that immense affection they have for me makes me feel entirely like the best in the world. And I think that’s one of the things that is priceless.”
The praise isn’t confined to the stands.On the international stage, she’s received countless messages of congratulations from her opponents, a testament to her skill and sportsmanship. “When your opponents congratulate you and say you deserve it, or that it was fair, it’s also a beautiful recognition and perhaps it shows where I’ve managed to get to,” she reflects.
Despite the overwhelming success,she remains grounded. “Sometimes it’s challenging to truly grasp the magnitude of it all,” she admits. “We have to look at the dimension that women’s futsal has in Portugal.”
What truly matters to her, however, is the pride her family feels, the recognition from Benfica fans, the respect from her fellow players, and the inspiration she provides to young girls.”These are things that truly touch me, that truly make me continue to work, but even more so,” she says.
The media attention and fame that often accompany such achievements hold less sway. “I never really worked towards that,” she explains. “I strive to feel better each day, to help Benfica, to try and help the national team, to help my younger teammates evolve.”
Looking ahead, she acknowledges the weight of her legacy. “I believe I will leave a heavy legacy, but I hope they see it, perhaps, as motivation, and not as pressure. Although I know that it will be.”
She recognizes the pressure that comes with being the best, especially with four world titles under her belt. But she also sees the potential in the next generation. “I believe Janice could get there,” she says, referring to a talented teammate. “She has demonstrated over the years the quality she has.She is constantly nominated among the top 10 in the world. so, that’s a sign that she has been working vrey well. Not only in Portugal but also through her time in Italy.”
She believes a world title with the national team could be the catalyst for Janice’s success, but she also sees other players rising to the top. “Sara Ferreira was nominated last year among the top 10 in the world.I believe that there are many other great players who could be nominated.”Benfica Star Reflects on Career-Defining Honor
A decorated Benfica futsal player expressed overwhelming gratitude for a recent tribute from the club, calling it the greatest recognition of her career.
Speaking passionately, the athlete shared, “I believe it was the best tribute, the best award, the best recognition I could have received. I never even imagined it. My grandmother can’t come watch my games. She watches them at home, but turns off the television as she’s afraid I’ll get hurt, she doesn’t like it when I concede goals. She suffers a lot. Receiving this tribute at home, as for me, Sport Lisboa e Benfica is my home, surrounded by my people, who are my fans, and my teammates, who are my people, was the best prize I could have received. The greatest recognition for me was this.”
She continued, emphasizing the profound impact of the club’s support, stating, “I want to take advantage of this space, this moment, to thank sport Lisboa e Benfica once again for introducing me to futsal. But, above all, for this beautiful tribute alongside my family. I believe I don’t ask for anything more. I already have everything! I literally have everything! And I will be eternally grateful to Sport Lisboa e Benfica for everything they have given me, but mainly for this moment, which is above any other award.”
A Conversation with Futsal Icon Ana Catarina: passion, Legacy, and Inspiring the Next Generation
Ana Catarina, congratulations on your recent recognition from Benfica! You’ve achieved remarkable success throughout your career, becoming a four-time world champion in futsal. What does this recognition from your club mean to you?
It was the best tribute, the best award, the best recognition I could have received. I never even imagined it happening. My grandmother watches my games at home, but she turns off the television because she’s afraid I’ll get hurt; she doesn’t like it when I concede goals. She suffers a lot. Receiving this tribute at home,as for me,Sport Lisboa e Benfica is my home,surrounded by my people,who are my fans,and my teammates,who are my people,was the greatest prize I could have received.
You’ve spoken about the importance of role models in women’s futsal. What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t just want to be the new Ana Catarina. Create your own name, leave your own mark without imitating anyone. You will carve your own path gradually, as these things take time. I was world champion for the first time at 26 years old.I finished second four times in a row before winning that award. it’s a journey, and dedication and belief in yourself are key.
What challenges do you see for women’s futsal,and how can we overcome them?
I believe one of the biggest challenges is promoting and ensuring better visibility for women’s futsal.We need to continue to showcase the skills, passion, and excitement of the sport to a wider audience.
The first-ever FIFA World Cup for women’s futsal is coming up in 2025. How critically important is this tournament?
This world Cup is a landmark moment for women’s futsal. It’s a chance to showcase the best players in the world, elevate the sport globally, and inspire a new generation of players.
What are your personal goals for the national team in 2025?
our main objective is to be world champions. First, we need to qualify, wich will be tough, as we face Italy, Hungary, and Sweden in March.
Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?
Besides the world titles, I am most proud of the impact I’ve had on inspiring young girls. Seeing their faces light up when they tell me I’m their role model is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and showing that anything is absolutely possible with hard work and dedication.