From Brasília to the bright lights: the rise of Kerolin Nicoli
Kerolin Nicoli’s journey to the pinnacle of women’s football is anything but ordinary. Born in Brasília, Brazil’s vibrant capital, she experienced a childhood shaped by financial struggles and a serious health scare that nearly ended her career before it began.
Despite these challenges, she developed a deep love for football — playing barefoot with boys on the streets and later sharpening her coordination through capoeira. Even then, it was clear she had something special: a blend of raw talent and quiet determination that set her apart.
By the time she moved to Manchester City, Kerolin had already become a name to watch. Her debut season in the National Women’s Super League was a statement: this wasn’t just a player with potential, this was a star in the making.
Her early career
Her breakthrough came at Madrid CFF, where she quickly earned a reputation for her blistering pace, creative flair, and tactical intelligence. But it wasn’t just her technical ability that stood out: it was her resilience.
At just twelve years old, Kerolin was hospitalised with osteomyelitis and cellulitis in her leg. Doctors warned her to stop playing contact sports due to the severity of the infection. But she defied the odds, recovered fully, and has since emerged as one of Brazil’s brightest next-generation footballers.
Her senior career began in her home nation with Madrid CFF, and from these opportunities were on the horizon. In 2022, she moved to the United States and signed with North Carolina Courage. A move across the globe only pushed her to work harder, enhance her football IQ and put her on the global map of women’s football.
Her time in the States
On the pitch for the North Carolina Courage, Kerolin evolved into one of the NWSL‘s most dangerous attackers. In the 2023 season alone, she racked up ten goals and three assists, consistently ranking among the league’s leaders in progressive carries and chance creation. What makes her so effective is not just her finishing; it is her ability to drift between the lines, pull defenders out of position, and turn half-spaces into danger zones.
Tactically, she thrives in quick-transition systems, where her acceleration and close control give her an edge. Whether operating as a left-sided forward or a central attacker, she often becomes the focal point in build-ups — not by demanding the ball, but by timing her movements to exploit defensive gaps.
One of her standout moments came in a match against the Portland Thorns in May 2024, when she scored a solo goal that began with a midfield interception and ended with a curling finish into the top corner. Moments like that don’t just swing games, they define reputations.
International football
With club form this sharp, it is no surprise that Brazil has leaned on her creativity heading into the Copa América. She is not just a player; she is a game-changer.
Off the pitch, Kerolin carries herself with a quiet confidence.
“I really believe playing with the boys when I was young brought something to me… it made me stronger, faster and taught me to protect the ball. It’s that grit and street‑football spirit that I bring into every game, for my teammates and my country.”
In a game where flair often steals the spotlight, she brings a grounded intensity that speaks louder than words. From the concrete pitches of Brasília to the spotlight of the WSL, and now the intensity of Copa América, the attacker’s emergence into the spotlight has been relentless and unmistakable.
She does not just play with flair; she plays with intent. And as Brazil chases another continental crown, her nation is in the Copa América final. Throughout the tournament, the Manchester City player has become key to Brazil’s tactical plan and fast-pace attacks.
One thing is clear: Kerolin isn’t the future of Brazilian football – she is the now.