Opinion: At 41 and playing in her seventh World Cup, Brazil’s Formiga one for the ages

There is one constant in women’s soccer — and it’s not the domination by the U.S. women.

On Sunday, Brazil’s Formiga will play in her seventh World Cup, a record. To put that in perspective, of the 552 players in France, there were 150 who weren’t even born yet when Formiga made her World Cup debut back in 1985.

“She is one of the greatest examples we have in the world, if not of this planet,” Brazil coach Vadao said when he announced his roster last month. “I could not stay out of such a project.”

Making this all the more impressive is that Formiga isn’t relegated to the end of the bench, a mascot-like figure who will never make it into a game. The 41-year-old is still a starter at defensive midfield, a position that requires both stamina, athleticism and savvy.

Four years ago, she scored the winner in a group game against South Korea. During a game at the Rio Olympics in 2016, she saved what could have been a devastating goal with a perfectly timed tackle.

“I train a lot, I’m very dedicated to my training and anything that is about football,” Formiga said in 2015. “I have a dream to win the World Cup and take it to Brazil. I have to be in top shape physically to be able to help the team.”

Which explains how she got her nickname.

Formiga’s real name is Miraildes Maciel Mota. But she was nicknamed Formiga – or ant – because of her hardworking style and indefatigability.

Formiga actually did the unthinkable after Rio and retired from international soccer. But Vadao begged her to return, telling her Brazil didn’t have anyone else who could play her role. The idea that Brazil might miss the World Cup did not sit well, so Formiga agreed to come back ahead of the 2018 qualifying tournament.

And here she still is.

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Brazil’s Group C game against Jamaica on Sunday will be Formiga’s 187th appearance for her country, a record it’s safe to say no one will touch. She will surpass Japan’s Homare Sawa in number of World Cups played, and will top former U.S. captain Christie Rampone as the oldest player to appear in a World Cup.

Formiga truly is one for the ages. 

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