Brazilian U20 Defender Ana Elisa Earns Recall After Year-Long Absence

The 17-year-old center back is eager to prove herself in upcoming friendlies against the United States.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:36am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a Brazilian women's soccer player in action, with sharp planes of color representing the national team uniform.A young Brazilian defender's journey to the U-20 national team is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Kansas City Today

After winning the 2024 South American U-17 Championship, Brazilian defender Ana Elisa has earned her first call-up to the U-20 National Team. The 17-year-old, who plays for Ferroviária, is excited for the opportunity to regain her place on the youth national team after nearly a year without being selected. Ana Elisa will join the squad for upcoming friendlies against the United States in Kansas.

Why it matters

Ana Elisa's recall to the U-20 team represents an important milestone in her development as a young player. After establishing herself as a key member of Brazil's U-17 side, the defender is now looking to make the jump to the next level and prove she belongs on the youth national team. These matches against the powerful USWNT program will provide a valuable test for Ana Elisa and the rest of the Brazilian squad as they prepare for the upcoming U-20 World Cup.

The details

Ana Elisa, who plays as a center back, was first called up to Brazil's youth national team in 2023 at the age of 15. She was a standout performer for the U-17 side, helping the team win the 2024 South American Championship. To commemorate the achievement, Ana Elisa got a tattoo. After nearly a year without being selected, the 17-year-old is eager to prove herself again at the U-20 level. She says the recall came at the perfect time, providing "confirmation that I'm capable, that I deserve it." Ana Elisa will now join the U-20 squad for a pair of friendlies against the United States in Kansas, where she hopes to gradually regain her place on the team and show she's ready for the challenges of international competition at the next age group.

  • Ana Elisa was first called up to Brazil's youth national team in 2023 at age 15.
  • She helped Brazil win the 2024 South American U-17 Championship on March 31, 2024.
  • After nearly a year without being called up, Ana Elisa received her first U-20 national team selection in April 2026.
  • Brazil will face the United States in friendlies on April 11 and April 15, 2026 in Kansas.

The players

Ana Elisa

A 17-year-old center back who plays for Brazilian club Ferroviária. She was a standout performer for Brazil's U-17 national team, helping them win the 2024 South American Championship, and has now earned her first call-up to the U-20 squad.

Centro Olímpico

The youth academy where Ana Elisa was discovered through a tryout, helping launch her career.

Ferroviária

The Brazilian club team that Ana Elisa has played for over the past seven seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the South American Championship was indescribable. It's a moment I made eternal in myself—I got a tattoo—because it's something we dream about since childhood.”

— Ana Elisa, Brazilian U-20 National Team Player

“It was always something I really aimed for. Wearing this shirt was the perfect embodiment of my dreams, and experiencing that was incredible.”

— Ana Elisa, Brazilian U-20 National Team Player

“It was like confirmation that I'm capable, that I deserve it.”

— Ana Elisa, Brazilian U-20 National Team Player

“I'm trying to give my best, loosen up little by little, but giving it everything I've got. I want to help the team and this coaching staff, which is wonderful.”

— Ana Elisa, Brazilian U-20 National Team Player

“The players help a lot, they support me, they talk to me. The coaching staff is very welcoming and receptive. That's helping me open up and develop better on the field.”

— Ana Elisa, Brazilian U-20 National Team Player

What’s next

The friendlies against the United States on April 11 and April 15 will be crucial opportunities for Ana Elisa to regain her place on the U-20 national team and prove she's ready for the challenges of international competition at the next age level.

The takeaway

Ana Elisa's recall to the Brazilian U-20 national team represents an important milestone in her development as a young player. After establishing herself as a key member of the U-17 side, she now has the chance to make the jump to the next level and show she belongs on the youth national team. These matches against the powerful USWNT program will be a valuable test as she aims to cement her place in the squad ahead of the U-20 World Cup.