Chasing a Dream: Stephanie Ribeiro’s Road to the Euro with Portugal.

We sat down with Stephanie Ribeiro at the Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon, where Portugal’s national team prepares for its biggest challenges. From Pawtucket to Lisbon, this is a story of goals, growth, and a newfound home in red and green.

Stephanie Ribeiro (Pawtucket, 1994) is quickly becoming a standout figure in the portuguese national team, impressing even her own teammates. This comes as no surprise, given her impressive stats in the Mexican league, where she has scored 44 goals in 60 matches for Pumas. She made a strong debut for Portugal by scoring in her very first international appearance.

With experience playing in the United States, Norway, Finland, and now Mexico, Ribeiro brings maturity and versatility to the Portuguese squad. The upcoming Euro in Switzerland will be a key test in her national team journey.

In the interview, Ribeiro explains how representing Portugal had always been a dream. After a standout season in Mexico, she received a call from the coach and eagerly accepted the opportunity. Joining a tight-knit squad was a challenge, but her teammates and coaching staff made her feel welcome from the beginning. Her approach? Be herself and give her best.

Scoring on her debut was one of the highlights of her career, a moment she describes as unforgettable. Looking ahead, her goal is to make the squad for the Euros, contribute however she can, and help Portugal reach at least the semi-finals. While she hopes to be on the pitch, she’s also ready to support the team from the sidelines if needed.

Ribeiro also reflects on her time in Mexico, a country she hadn’t planned on staying in, but which she now considers home. She praises the growing competitiveness of the Mexican league, its international talent, and strong social media presence. She believes the league is becoming an attractive and supportive environment for women to grow as professional athletes.