Flamengo's women's soccer team received some spectacular news in the last few hours. Four players from the U-20 team were called up by coach Arthur Elias and his coaching staff for a training period with the senior Brazilian national team: right-back/defensive midfielder Emilly, attacking midfielder Kaylane Vieira, forward Leane, and defender Sofia. They will report to Granja Comary early next week and will participate in activities with the players playing abroad and are already available for the Copa América. 

The Meninas da Gávea learned of the call-up from manager André Rocha and Antony Menezes, coordinator of the Mais Querido youth academy. The directors discussed the matter before the match against Real Heips—a Brazilian Championship match—congratulating them and explaining the significance of this moment in each team's career. 

One of the main pillars of the Rubro-Negro's project in the sport is precisely to maintain the legacy that "Flamengo makes great players at home." Currently, the professional squad has eleven athletes trained within the club, and this number is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The quartet's arrival was widely celebrated by everyone involved.

Emilly: the versatile



Emilly arrived at Flamengo in late 2022, but only started playing in 2023. Her first competition was the U-16 Development League. Soon after, she was part of the squad that won the U-17 Rio Cup and was runner-up in the Brazilian Championship. A standout player—playing both as a defender and a defensive midfielder—she was named the best player in the national competition by the specialized media.

Her strong performances earned her a call-up to the national team in 2024, where she competed in the World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Upon her return, she excelled in the knockout stages of the Brasileirão U-20, particularly in the quarterfinals against São Paulo and in the historic final against Botafogo. The title capped her career, and the starting right-back has now been a key player for the team seeking its second title. 

"I'm very happy. I know it may seem like little to some, but for those who share my dream, it's something special. Having this opportunity is extremely rewarding, so I'm going to enjoy it. My goal is to contribute in some way and then return to Flamengo even stronger. I know it's a unique experience, and I hope, in the future, to be called up to join the squad." 

Kaylane Vieira: the newbie with experience



Born in 2008, Kaylane was discovered in a social project and joined Flamengo in 2022. Known for her strong personality, she became a starter for the U-17 team at age 14 and has shone ever since. She won the Copa Rio in 2023 and was runner-up in the Brazilian Championship. Her strong performances at the time caught the attention of the U-20 team, and the attacking midfielder competed in and won the first edition of the Copinha. During this period, she played once for the professional team in the Campeonato Carioca.

The following year, she spent the entire national team cycle, starting in the South American title and the World Cup. Skilled and intelligent, she is one of the club's jewels and was present in the Brasileirão U-20 Women's Championship campaign. Her young age has never intimidated the Rio native, who at 16 has been frequently used by coach Filipe Torres. 

"I want to thank God for this special opportunity. It's always great to be able to wear the yellow jersey, but this time, being around great athletes and inspirations will be unlike anything else. I also want, of course, to thank Flamengo for everything they do for me. Here I have all the structure to dedicate myself and give my best. I'm going to make the most of this opportunity and hope to learn a lot during these days of preparation."

Leane: from Manaus to the world!



Leane's first steps into soccer were in the Agrovila community. Talented and fast, she was accepted into the Athletes with Christ social project's selection process and has only grown since then. It's safe to say that even the sky isn't the limit for this hard-working striker, who arrived in Rio de Janeiro in 2023 to wear the Sacred Mantle. Fiery and extremely dedicated, she excelled in the U-17 NP Cup and, later, in the Rio Cup and the Brazilian Championship. 

Called up to the national team once, she enjoyed a successful 2024 season, winning the Carioca Sub-20 and playing in the second edition of the Copinha. This season, she performed very well in the Copa Rio and has already scored two goals in the Brasileirão debut on Thursday (12). Praised for her attitude, she is enjoying a great phase.

"A movie plays in my head, and it couldn't be any different. I wake up every day thinking about realizing my dreams and everything I've done to be here today. Flamengo opened its doors to me, and I'll be eternally grateful. I've been trying to work hard, improving on the points the coaching staff has shown me, and I think this training period comes at a really great time. I'm a little anxious and can't wait to be there with so many important people."

Sofia: a unique defender and goalscorer



Sofia's journey with the Manto is unique. Before passing a selection process, the athlete had never played on the field, only on the court and sand. Approved in 2022, she spent practically a year training hard and perfecting her skills. Her first opportunity came in 2023, during the Rio U-17 Cup. Captain in the conquest, she gained momentum and went to the Brazilian Championship as a major prospect. She lived up to her expectations, scoring a goal in the final, and, despite finishing second, won the team's favor. Her performance took her directly to the Copinha, where she was crowned champion. 

Last year, like Kaylane, she was part of the entire national team cycle, scoring in the South American final and starting at the World Cup. Upon her return, she won the Brazilian U-20 championship with Mengão and maintained her rise. Above-average and highly technical, the defender made her professional debut in 2025 and is considered a promising prospect. 

"I was speechless when they broke the news to us. It was a mixture of happiness and gratitude. I never imagined I'd be able to train with the women of the national team so soon. Marta will be there, and it's something I can't stop thinking about. In a few days, I'll be there with all of them. I hope to absorb many good things, learn from them, and make the most of this opportunity. I also wanted to record here how essential Flamengo has been in my life. I've been here for two years, and look how much has happened. I hope to always honor the Mantle that I learned to love with my parents."

Check out the technical details of the candidates called up

Full name: Emilly Lucas do Nascimento Souza (Emilly)
Date of birth: 11/02/2007
Place of Birth: Leopoldina-MG
Position: Right-Back/Defensive Midfielder

Full name: Kaylane Cristina Vieira (Kaylane Vieira)
Date of birth: 08/12/2008
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Full name: Leane Souza Oliveira (Leane)
Date of birth: 11/02/2007
Place of Birth: Manaus
Position: Striker

Full name: Sofia Chaves Couto (Sofia)
Date of birth: 02/08/2007
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro
Position: Defender