Bruna Santos Nhaia Bio
Bruna Santos Nhaia, known as Bruninha, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on June 16, 2002, who plays as a right back for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Brazil national team. She started her career in Chapecoense in 2018 and has since played for Internacional and Santos FC. Bruninha captained the Brazilian team at the 2022 U-20 World Cup and has made significant contributions to her teams, showcasing her talents in both national and club competitions.
Early Life and Background
Bruna Santos Nhaia was born in Castro, Paraná, Brazil. She began her football journey at a young age, joining the youth setup of Chapecoense after a successful trial in 2016. Her early exposure to the sport laid the groundwork for her future success as a professional player. Bruninha’s dedication and talent quickly became evident, leading her to make her first team debut for Chapecoense in 2018.
Path to Soccer
After her debut with Chapecoense, Bruninha transitioned to Internacional in 2019, where she played at the under-18 level before making her first team debut in 2020. She scored a goal in her debut match against Vitória, marking a significant milestone in her career. In February 2021, she moved to Santos FC, where she continued to develop her skills and showcased her abilities on the field.
Bruna Santos Nhaia Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Bruninha’s professional career began with Chapecoense, where she made an immediate impact. In her time with the club, she demonstrated her potential and earned a move to Internacional, where she further honed her skills. At Internacional, she quickly became a key player, scoring on her debut and contributing to the team’s success. Her performances at Santos FC solidified her reputation as a rising star in Brazilian football.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
In August 2022, Bruninha transferred to NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. She made her mark in the league, scoring her first goal on May 21, 2023, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the club’s history at just 20 years old. Her exceptional performances earned her recognition as Player of the Week and a spot on the Team of the Month. Bruninha played a crucial role in Gotham’s postseason run, contributing to the team’s NWSL Championship victory on November 11, 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bruninha’s signature work includes her leadership as captain of the Brazilian U-20 team during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where Brazil finished third. She has also been recognized for her strong defensive and attacking play, winning the NWSL Championship in both 2023 and 2025.
Bruna Santos Nhaia Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Bruninha has received nominations for her outstanding performances in various competitions, reflecting her impact on the field and her potential for future accolades.
Bruna Santos Nhaia Awards Won
Bruninha has achieved significant recognition, including winning the NWSL Championship in 2023 and 2025. Her contributions to her teams have established her as a key player in women’s soccer.
Bruna Santos Nhaia Family
Information regarding Bruna Santos Nhaia’s family is not publicly available. Details about her parents or siblings have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Bruna Santos Nhaia maintains a private personal life, with limited information available about her relationships or marital status. She is focused on her career and continues to make strides in professional soccer.