Brazilian · São Paulo, Brazil · Born 3 March 1978The most enduring international footballer in history, male or female — Formiga competed at seven consecutive Olympic Games (1996–2020) and seven World Cups for Brazil across a 26-year international career, a record of longevity that will almost certainly never be matched.
Miraildes Maciel Mota, universally known as Formiga, built one of the longest and most remarkable careers in the history of international football, representing Brazil across an extraordinary 26 years and seven separate World Cups and Olympic Games — a longevity virtually unmatched in any code of professional football, male or female. Formiga's defensive midfield play was defined by intelligence, positioning, and remarkable physical conditioning that allowed her to remain a first-team regular well into her forties, at an age when most professional footballers have long since retired. She became a foundational figure for the Brazilian national team through multiple generations of teammates, providing continuity and leadership across decades of Brazilian women's football. Formiga finally retired from international duty in 2021, closing out a career that included 234 caps for Brazil, appearances at seven World Cups, and participation across seven Olympic Games — records that place her among the most durable athletes in the sport's history, regardless of gender or competition. Her retirement in late 2021, after 26 years of senior international football, was marked by widespread tributes across the sport, recognising a career that spanned generational shifts in the women's game from its relatively obscure status in the mid-1990s to the global spectacle it has become today — with Formiga a constant presence throughout that entire transformation.
Only footballer to compete in 7 Olympic Games
How They Played
Defensive midfielder known for work rate, leadership and longevity
Lasting Impact
Most capped Brazilian footballer and longest international career spanning 26 years
Career Honours
- 7 Olympic Games (1996-2020)
- 7 Women's World Cups
- Copa América Femenina x7 (Brazil)
- Olympic Silver Medal 2004
- Olympic Silver Medal 2008
- Copa América Femenina 2003
- Copa América Femenina 2010
- Copa América Femenina 2014
- Copa América Femenina 2018
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euroexport | 1993–1995 | — | — | — |
| Saad | 1996–1996 | — | — | — |
| São Paulo | 1997–1998 | — | — | — |
| Portuguesa | 1999–1999 | — | — | — |
| São Paulo | 2000–2000 | — | — | — |
| Santa Isabel | 2001–2001 | — | — | — |
| Santa Cruz | 2002–2002 | — | — | — |
| Santos | 2002–2002 | — | — | — |
| Independente | 2003–2003 | — | — | — |
| Malmö FF Dam | 2004–2005 | — | — | — |
| Saad | 2006–2007 | — | — | — |
| New Jersey Wildcats | 2006–2006 | loan | 12 | 13 |
| Jersey Sky Blue | 2007–2007 | loan | 6 | 1 |
| Botucatu | 2008–2008 | — | — | — |
| FC Gold Pride | 2009–2009 | — | 16 | 0 |
| Chicago Red Stars | 2010–2010 | — | 23 | 0 |
| São José | 2011–2011 | — | — | — |
| América de Natal | 2012–2012 | — | — | — |
| São José | 2013–2015 | — | 20 | 2 |
| São Francisco do Conde | 2016–2016 | — | 6 | 2 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2017–2021 | — | 68 | 2 |
| São Paulo | 2022–2022 | — | 13 | 0 |
 Brazil | — | — | 234 | 16 |
Brazilian Athletes