Brazil’s Ary Borges has made a name for himself in the 4-0 thrashing of Panama in their Women’s World Cup opener. The 23-year-old scored a hat-trick, and assisted the fourth, putting on a dominant performance to put the world on notice.
She has now become the first Brazil player across the men’s and women’s teams to have scored a hat-trick on her World Cup debut. It is a feat that neither Pele, nor Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or Neymar were able to achieve during their first game at the tournament.
Ary Borges scores hat-trick in World Cup debut to give Brazil dream start
Veteran midfielder Marta was Borges’ idol growing up, and she is now her teammate. In fact, the 37-year-old was subbed on for Borges late in the game, and she was thoroughly impressed by what she saw from the youngster.
Ary Borges has had a tough upbringing, after being left at her grandmother’s by her parents when she was ten years old. She later rejoined her parents in Sao Paulo, where she signed for Centro Olimpico. Borges went on to play for Sport Recife and Sao Paulo before signing with Palmeiras.
She won the Copa Libertadores trophy with them, scoring in the semi final and final, and then moved to Racing Louisville. Her potential has been recognised by coaches and teammates alike, and now, she is making a name for herself at the biggest stage in women’s football.