She Kicks a Beat: Debinha

Chris Brookes’ music-led interview with North Carolina Courage’s number ten, whom head coach Paul Riley once called the new Marta. Debinha opened the scoring and was named Most Valuable Player as the Courage took a second consecutive NWSL championship with a 4-0 dismantling of the Chicago Red Stars. She describes using loud music to release tension, names Cristiane as Brazil’s dressing-room DJ and Jess McDonald, Crystal Dunn, Katelyn Rowland and Meredith Speck among the Courage’s, and picks a Raimundos track featuring Ivete Sangalo. She talks about growing up in Brasopolis in Minas Gerais and having very limited English on arriving in the United States. Her 2019 World Cup is recounted in detail: the cross for Cristiane against Australia, winning the penalty for Marta’s winner against Italy, and the extra-time effort against France cleared by Griedge Mbock Bathy.