To realize what Formiga represents, we have to go back to 1981. In France, François Mitterrand becomes President of the Republic. In Brazil, football becomes legal for young girls and women in the country. The PSG player, who arrived in the capital in 2017, was then 3 years old… Forty years later, Miraildes Maciel Mota, known as Formiga (the ant), has become an icon of Brazilian football. And here she is, a few weeks before the end of her European adventure, close to winning one of her most beautiful titles. A victory or a draw for PSG in Lyon this Sunday (9 p.m.) would allow him to return to Brazil with his head held high.
The gaze, Formiga has never lowered despite the multiple barriers.
In 2021, nothing is more normal than to see a woman of color evolve on a football field.
In 1993, at the start of his career, the situation was more worrying.
“Women's football had no recognition, no support,” she recalls for Le Parisien.
There was no room for us.
The prejudices were shocking and a lot of girls quit because of it.
At home, nothing is simpler.
Surrounded by violent brothers, Formiga can however count on the unwavering support of a loving mother whom she thanks to each of her media outings.
"I was able to show young girls that anything is possible"
"In Brazil, they say that only the rain falls from the sky", reminds us the midfielder.
Nothing has ever been acquired for Formiga, which now has nearly 200 selections with the Seleção and will add its seventh participation in the Olympics this summer.
It's simple: from Atlanta (United States) in 1996, for the debut of women's football, to Tokyo (Japan) this year, she has been part of all the Olympic adventures.
A record to which we can add seven World Cup appearances.
Do not look, there is no equivalent in men.
“Do I understand the importance of my background?
Maybe not 100%, smiles Formiga.
I think that will be the case at the end of my career.
What I do know is that I was able to show young girls that anything is possible and that I was able to close mouths.
"
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A little bit of revenge?
Rather the desire to get things done.
At PSG, everyone, from the news to the management, knows the history of Formiga.
"The most experienced serve as a mirror to the youngest," said the Brazilian, taking this role to heart.
On a daily basis, the locker room remains impressed by his ability to reign, despite his 43 years, in the midfield.
“It's totally crazy, recently confided to us the physical trainer, Sébastien Lopez Guia.
We could adjust her workloads but she doesn't want to.
It is out of the ordinary.
»How is Formiga gaining in longevity?
“My investment,” she says.
I also inherit this resistance from my parents.
It's a mix of genetics and prudence.
"
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This body so well maintained, Formiga took it to a dozen Brazilian clubs, from São Paulo to Santos, King Pelé's club.
He also got on the plane, heading to Sweden in 2004 for his first experience abroad, then in New Jersey (2006) or Chicago (2010).
“I learned new cultures, new realities,” she explains.
I also earned a salary so that I could help the family.
"
Her last challenge away from Brazil has been taking place in Paris since 2017, a club in which she "didn't think she would stay four years".
With PSG, Formiga tasted the Champions League without reaching the Grail, suffering some disappointments such as the loss to Barça in the semi-finals this season.
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The time for his departure is approaching.
But he has two days left, including this Sunday shock in Lyon, to help the capital club to win its first French Championship.
Her former Brazilian coach said of Formiga: “She comes from another planet.
"We're not really sure what world I'm from," she laughs today.
One thing is certain, she will have made him progress on all levels.
