- The Cabulosas forward was one of the key figures in Cruzeiro's triumph in the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina.
- On Cruzeiro's debut in the competition, the talented number 10 finished as the tournament's top scorer after netting twice in a historic Final.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Byanca Brasil was a vital part of Jonas Urias' side. With her team trailing by three goals, the captain led a remarkable comeback that ended 4-4 after normal time and took the Final to a penalty shoot-out. Cruzeiro prevailed 5-4 from the spot to claim their first CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina title, in their maiden appearance in the continent's most prestigious competition.
Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito, Ecuador, provided the setting for another memorable night from one of the most influential players in South American football. Byanca Brasil shone once again in a competition that seems tailor-made for her, becoming a lucky charm for every side she has represented: she has now won her third CONMEBOL Libertadores title, and on each occasion her team lifted the trophy for the first time in their history (Corinthians/Audax in 2017, Palmeiras in 2022 and Cruzeiro in 2026).
"She is a natural leader, very professional and great fun. She is in a moment of complete harmony with the whole team, and that brings out the best in her football," Urias had said in the days leading up to the decisive match. At 30, her leadership sparked an achievement that will forever have its place in the most important chapters of Cruzeiro's history. On their first appearance in the competition, they brought Corinthians' run of three consecutive titles to an end.
Seven minutes into the second half, with Timão 3-0 ahead, Byanca's striker's instinct came to the fore. She turned the ball home after Letícia Alves' cross took a slight deflection off Marília Furiel. Lelê, the experienced goalkeeper for the São Paulo side, was unable to hold on, allowing the captain to pull one back, breathe new life into Cruzeiro's challenge and lift her team-mates' spirits.
Cruzeiro's run to the Final had been flawless. They finished top of Group C in the group stage with a perfect record, scoring eight goals and conceding just one. They then swept past Libertad 3-0 in the quarter-finals before beating Olimpia 1-0 in the semi-finals. Along the way, the Rio-born forward scored in their 2-1 opening victory over LDU Quito, hit a hat-trick against Bolívar in a 3-0 win on matchday two and found the net again in the quarter-final against Libertad.
Another date with history awaited her. In the Final, Byanca scored Cruzeiro's goal to reduce the deficit in the second half and converted the first penalty in the shoot-out. Beyond the statistics, her stature and leadership help explain why Cruzeiro found in her a sporting figure around whom the team could rally.
Last season, after experiencing a period of profound depression, the Belo Horizonte side's leading figure considered retiring from football. "I am very grateful to my psychologist, my wife, Cruzeiro and everyone who stood by me during the most difficult moments. Today, I feel very happy to be experiencing all of this," the tournament's top scorer admitted.
The club, her loved ones and professional support helped her through a difficult and challenging period that almost took her away from one of her greatest passions. On that night in Quito, having once again made the difference in a CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina Final, Byanca danced to the rhythm of her football and led Cruzeiro to an achievement that will remain with her for the rest of her life.
