Marta and Debinha are established NWSL stars, but they're not the only high-quality Brazilian talent in the league this season. Here are the five best NWSL players from the country who fielded the silver medalist squad at the 2024 Olympic games.
Debinha
Kansas City Current
Debinha has been a big name in the NWSL for some time now. A staple in the midfield, Debinha has certified her name in the history books. Now playing for Kansas City, she has quickly become a fan favorite in her three seasons with the Current.
Before moving to Kansas City, Debinha made her mark in North Carolina, where she was faithful to the Courage for five seasons. In that time, the Brazilian scored 38 times in the NWSL. She became a crucial playmaker for the Courage and dominated in midfield.
Debinha didn't slow down when she transferred to Kansas City. In 2023, during her first season with the Current, Debinha scored nine goals in just 18 games. Already this season, she has three goals and one assist in six games.
Debinha isn't just a goalscorer. She tracks back on defense and puts in timely challenges on her opponents. Despite her modest height, the Brazilian always goes for the ball in the air if it's near her. She is clinical on the ball, always looking for the right pass or shot. The midfielder has plenty of speed, making her a threat on a counterattack.
Ary Borges
Racing Louisville
Ary Borges has found herself in the headlines recently after her fiery confrontation with the referees after matchweek six. Borges was part of the record-setting match between Louisville and Portland. The record: 41 fouls in 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
As seen in her dispute with the referee, Borges has a temper, which can be helpful in a professional player. Borges plays with spirit and passion, giving her an edge. Her protests earned her a post-game red card, which she won't be pleased about but it shows her passion for the game.
But temper isn't Borges' only strength. She comes with experience in midfield and can provide the all-important final touch for putting the ball in the back of the net. Borges has impressed internationally for Brazil and Palmeiras at the club level. Her time at Palmeiras saw her score 34 times in 83 appearances.
With Palmeiras, Borges helped secure the Copa Libertadores trophy. She had goals in both the semifinals and finals of the cup. In Louisville, Borges has tallied four goals in her NWSL career. Her 2024 season was plagued by injury, but if she can stay fit in 2025, Borges will be an important player for Louisville.
Marta
Orlando Pride
Marta will likely be on the list of the top Brazilians until she retires. The veteran forward doesn't know how to have a bad season. At 39, Marta is always bringing her best to the field.
In the first six games of the 2025 season, Marta has three goals and one assist for the Pride. Marta has collected many accolades for both club and country. She continues to be a crucial player for Orlando, despite new talents like Barbara Banda also being involved in the squad.
Marta remains the leader for goals and appearances in Orlando's history. She has always been a staple for the Pride and she'll remain that way even after she retires. Her athleticism is still among the best in the league, despite her age. The Brazilian is one of the most celebrated players of all time for both women's and men's soccer.
Marta is always lethal in front of goal and has a good eye for picking out the best passes. The fans love her, coaches love her, and teammates love her. She will forever be a legend of the game for the NWSL and Brazil.
Bruninha
NJ/NY Gotham
Bruninha has been in the NWSL for three seasons with Gotham. The defender has helped Gotham become a better side in the back. She can also provide balls into the box to get one of her many attackers to put the ball in the back of the net.
Bruninha can score, too. During the 2023 season, she scored twice and became Gotham's youngest goalscorer. Gotham has a strong defense, providing Bruninha with valuable partnerships at the back. Emily Sonnett and Jess Carter are the usual center-backs, and both have experience at the highest level of the game,
Bruninha offers a threat down the wing, which makes her an appealing option for managers. With the talent up top in Esther Gonzalez, Bruninha will be even more crucial in picking out passes for Gotham. The defense has been strong and Bruninha has made her presence felt in that backline.
Geyse
NJ/NY Gotham
Geyse is one of Bruninha's newer Gotham teammates, playing in her first season with the NWSL on loan from Manchester United. Geyse has already scored a goal in her first four appearances for Gotham.
The forward has competition for minutes from Gonzalez, who is having an outstanding season with Gotham. Geyse offers plenty of experience from club play in Europe and South America. She has also played at the senior level and youth level for Brazil.
Should Gonzalez get hurt, Geyse can step in and be Gotham's top forward. Even in a smaller role, Geyse has shown she can be lethal in front of goal. At Manchester United, Geyse helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup. She also gathered trophies with Barcelona, where she scored 10 goals in over 30 appearances.
Geyse will look to play a bigger role with Gotham as the season goes on. Gotham has been a powerhouse this season, and if it looks like a playoff spot will be secured, Geyse could become the starting forward to give Gonzalez a rest.