Indy Botosso uses Danish notes to help her prepare with Brazil at the U17 Women's World Cup. In a FIFA interview published on October 17, the sixteen-year-old midfielder described adapting to the national team of her mother's country.
Born in South Africa to a Brazilian mother and Danish father, Indy later moved to Denmark. She developed her football there and wore the number ten shirt for Danish youth national teams.
Choosing Brazil
Her mother's family lives in Goiania, where Indy regularly visits relatives. Food, including her mother's family recipe for pao de queijo, also maintains that Brazilian connection.
The international opportunity arose when her agent sent footage to coach Rilany Silva. A call-up followed, leaving Indy to choose between representing the country where she grew up and her mother's homeland.
She described the decision as difficult because of her attachment to Denmark. Ultimately, the enjoyment and sense of freedom she felt with the Brazilian squad influenced her choice.
Adapting to a new language environment
Indy speaks Portuguese but did not learn to write it. She therefore records coaching instructions in Danish, sometimes attempting to spell Portuguese words as she hears them. Her team-mates find the unfamiliar notebook entertaining.
Fast conversations still require extra concentration during training. On the pitch, however, she feels football provides a shared means of understanding.
Brazil are scheduled to open against Canada on October 18 in Morocco. Indy described reaching the tournament as a personal dream while expecting a demanding competition, rather than treating a first Brazilian title as assured.