Vitoria Yaya targets World Cup glory with Brazil and PSG

Brazil midfielder Vitoria Yaya has set her sights on the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, where she hopes to lead the Seleção to their first world title on home soil. The 24-year-old, who has already enjoyed a decorated career, is determined to add the ultimate prize to her collection.

Yaya's journey has been marked by significant achievements: she featured at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018 and the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022, won silver at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024, and lifted the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores Femenina and Copa America Femenina trophies. In 2025, she secured a move to Paris Saint-Germain, further elevating her profile.

A Dream Rooted in Home Soil

For Yaya, the prospect of playing at the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 carries extra significance. "It means even more because it's taking place on home soil," the Sao Paulo state native told FIFA in an exclusive interview. "Playing at the U-17 World Cup and the U-20 World Cup gives you valuable experience of just how competitive these tournaments are and the quality of the teams involved, but I don't think anything compares to a senior World Cup. I'm working really hard to be there because it would be incredibly special to experience that in Brazil."

Her determination was fueled by Brazil's early exit at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, where she watched from afar as the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. "When Brazil were eliminated in 2023, I told myself I'd be there in 2027," she revealed. To cement her commitment, she had the words "QUANDO EU COMEÇAR A ACREDITA EM MIM, NINGUÉM ME PARA" (WHEN I START BELIEVING IN MYSELF, NOBODY CAN STOP ME) tattooed on her leg.

Despite the temptation to imagine her family and friends in the stands, Yaya remains focused on earning her place. "I stop, take a breath and tell myself, 'I'm going to work even harder,'" she said. "Whenever those dreams and thoughts come to mind, I focus on my objective and remain level-headed. I know hard work pays off."

Building Momentum with Brazil

Yaya's recent performances with the national team have been impressive. At Paris 2024, she helped Brazil claim Olympic silver, a result that showcased the team's resilience. "With every match, we wanted to improve on our previous performance," she said. "We took it step by step, one match at a time, always fighting to win. That's the mentality of this generation and of the Seleção as a whole."

That fighting spirit was evident in the 2025 Copa America Femenina final, where Brazil defeated Colombia on penalties after a dramatic 4-4 draw. "That final showed what our generation is all about. As long as there's time left on the clock, we'll keep fighting," she said.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Yaya hopes that Brazil 2027 will leave a lasting legacy and inspire young girls across the country. She regularly receives messages from youngsters dreaming of playing alongside her and makes it a point to encourage them. "Some of the players from previous generations did that for us," she said. "They were there, took photos with us and gave us boots. That gave me even more motivation to become the person I am today, and it inspires me to do the same for other children. They'll see the national-team players at the World Cup and realise that it's possible – that they can make their dreams come true."

A Versatile Midfield Presence

Since joining PSG in September 2025, Yaya has been a dynamic force in midfield. Her versatility was honed in Brazil, where she played as a box-to-box midfielder for Sao Paulo, Santos, and the youth national teams before learning a deeper holding role at Corinthians. She can also push forward and contribute in advanced areas, making her a valuable asset for both club and country.

With her eyes set on 2027, Yaya is determined to turn her dream into reality and etch her name in Brazilian football history.