Letícia makes her debut for the Mengão professional team: "It's an achievement"
At the club since 2019, the midfielder, a multi-champion in the youth academy, comes on in the second half and provides an assist in the 3-0 victory over Pérolas Negras
By Rafael Rezende - in
February 26, 2024, will forever be etched in Letícia's life. Having passed Flamengo's first women's soccer tryout in 2019—alongside attacking midfielder Mariana—the defensive midfielder made her first appearance for the senior team. She came on at halftime of the match against Pérolas Negras and delivered a commanding performance.
Called up for the second time, Lelê watched from the bench as Rubro-Negro won the first half, and when she entered the locker room with her teammates, she heard from coach Maurício Salgado that she would be making her long-awaited debut. The butterflies in her stomach were immediate, as was the support of more experienced players like captain Djeni, who conveyed a calming tone.
"It's like a movie in your head, isn't it? I've been wearing the Manto for many years at the youth level, but this time was completely different. I work hard to experience moments like this, so it was a dream come true. Not just mine, but my whole family's. My parents have been living all this with me since I participated in the trial that got me here. It's an achievement. I came in focused and confident, received support from the girls, and managed to play well," he said.
Just 13 minutes in, the "Girl from Gávea" showed her calling card: she played a one-two with Fernanda, went to the baseline, and crossed perfectly to Mariana's head. The assist—much celebrated and crucial in the 3-0 victory—shows the personality of an athlete with many goals ahead.
"My chemistry with Mari goes back a long way, and that makes things easier. We know each other. I was very happy to have provided the assist for the goal and, of course, for our victory. It was our first of the year, and we want more. We have an excellent squad, a blend of experience and youth, and I think this is the way forward. I was promoted permanently in 2025, and I feel like I'm improving a lot. I intend to help Flamengo go far in all competitions," he said.
Her understated demeanor in everyday life is one of her trademarks, but on the field, things change. Letícia's DNA is built on the Mais Querido team. She has grit, love, and passion. She has a desire to win and represent the Sacred Mantle. This was true in her victories at the Copinha, the Carioca U-20 Championship, and the Brasileirão U-20. A champion in every aspect of her youth career, including a stint with the national team, she wants to carry these characteristics into her new phase.
"Being part of Flamengo is an honor and a great responsibility. In every U-20 title, we always gave our all for the club. We couldn't let it go without giving, and there was pressure. It worked because everyone bought into it. It couldn't be any different. In this new phase of my career, I'll take all these lessons with me. I see our professional team today with the same desire to make things happen. To make a name for ourselves in history. I'm ready to go through this entire transition process; I want to gain a lot of knowledge and, without a doubt, be a champion alongside great role models," she concluded.