The environmental engineer was born on May 6, 1987 in São Paulo, Brazil, where she still lives today. Having previously worked in the field of wastewater disposal, she has been the technical coordinator of a reverse logistics program for packaging since 2014. And she is black and yellow through and through ...

When and how did you first become a Borussia Dortmund fan?
It all began in 2005 when I saw a TV special about the host stadiums for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The program also discussed the history of Borussia Dortmund and its stadium, its financial situation at the time and the wonderful relationship between the club and its fans. From that moment, I was entirely under Borussia Dortmund’s spell. And so was my dad: He was immediately behind my crazy idea of supporting a soccer club a whole ocean away.

And you have been head of the “Borussia Dortmund Brasil” fan club since 2013 ...
Yes, and I am incredibly proud of it. We now have 532 members. The social media response has been phenomenal: We have more than 4,000 Instagram followers, more than 26,000 Facebook followers and around 2,500 Twitter followers. 

How do you keep up with Borussia Dortmund games in Brazil?
Through free and pay TV channels, as well as mobile apps and streaming sites. I get important Borussia Dortmund news updates on my app as soon as I wake up in the morning. As we are an official fan club, Borussia Dortmund also e-mails us a regular newsletter.

What have been your Borussia Dortmund highlights?
Oh, my goodness! Borussia Dortmund has just been one long emotional high for me! The German Championships in 2011 and 2012 when there were Brazilian players on the team. The day our fan club was officially recognized at a celebration organized by Evonik – Dedé and club members were there, and official gifts and a certificate were handed out. A Borussia Dortmund game that we watched in a bar with Borussia Dortmund legends: hugging Jan Koller, meeting Emma. Seeing how the children in my family love Borussia Dortmund ...

Have you ever been to the stadium?
I’ve never been to Dortmund, sadly. It’s a dream of mine that I wanted to make come true in December this year, but coronavirus spoiled my plans. I just need to remind myself: All good things come to those who wait!
Interview: Uwe Schedlbauer
Photo: Maiara Batista with Dede

In this section, our main sponsor Evonik, who supports us at all of our international games, lets soccer fans who feel close to Borussia Dortmund but live nowhere near SIGNAL IDUNA PARK have their say.

EVONIK IN BRAZIL
Evonik can be found in 100 different countries, all of which are home to countless Borussia Dortmund fans. This includes Brazil, the specialty chemicals company’s biggest South American market. Evonik employs more than 500 people at nine locations in the country, where they mainly develop and produce active ingredients and additives for cosmetic and consumer goods. Some of the laboratories’ innovations – such as new skincare formulations for tattooed skin – have a global reach. The manufacture of silica, which is used in almost all consumer goods from toothpaste to high-gloss paint, has recently been added. Evonik also supports the Brazilian farming industry, including through Biolys® – a biotechnologically produced amino acid for improved animal nutrition.