Gi Cabral Returns From Injury: "I Promise to Always Honour This Crest"

Knee injuries test every athlete's resolve in ways that go beyond the physical. For Giovanna Cabral – known simply as Gi – the road back has been anything but straightforward. The right-back from Flamengo's U-20 squad, sidelined since 2025, has now returned to action and featured in two matches wearing the Red-and-Black.

The feeling of stepping back onto the pitch is impossible to describe. Gi caught a glimpse of it when named to the squad for the Copa do Brasil semi-final against Internacional at home last month. She didn't take the field, but the emotional whirlwind was real. Then came August, and with it, the moment she'd been waiting for: starting berths in the opening two Carioca Championship matches against Vasco and Real Heips.

"It's hard to put into words everything I felt before that debut," she said. "When Filipe told me the news, I had to hold back tears. Only someone who's been injured understands what it does to you mentally. It tests your character, leaves you vulnerable, makes you question yourself. But I pushed through. I did it by taking care of my mind, doing my part, and having so many people support me along the way."

Her return to the starting lineup couldn't have gone better. Cabral laid on an assist for Alice's goal and broke down in tears during her FlamengoTV interview at half-time. In the next fixture against Real Heips, she delivered another solid performance and demonstrated the quality she can bring to the club.

"Honestly, I felt really happy," she continued. "I was so eager to help the team, so getting that assist felt great. What's been even better is the trust the girls and the coaching staff have shown me. After losing so much time, to get my spot back is incredible. Flamengo can expect my best. I promise I'll always honour this crest."

Having a support network during injury recovery is essential – and Gi leaned heavily on hers. She credits her teammates, medical staff, and family for her swift return to form.

"Here at the club, especially, so many people helped me through it. My friends Cecília, Duda and Isabela never let go of my hand, and the physios Lucas and Gabriel were amazing. I'll always be grateful for the confidence they gave me, along with all the support from my family – that's what brought me back stronger. Now I just want to keep writing my story here," she concluded.

With Gi Cabral back in the fold, Flamengo's women's team wrapped up preparations for their third-round Carioca clash against Botafogo this Saturday (29th) at 3 p.m. at the Nilton Santos Training Ground.