Francisca “Kika” Nazareth is one of the most exciting young forwards in European football. Renowned for her creativity, technical skill, and attacking intelligence, she has quickly become a key player for both FC Barcelona and the Portugal national team. Her flair and vision have made her a standout talent in every competition she’s entered.
Early Life and Background
Francisca Ramos Ribeiro Nazareth Sousa was born on November 17, 2002, in Lisbon, Portugal. She started her football journey playing futsal, which helped her develop exceptional ball control and technical ability before transitioning to 11-a-side football with Benfica.
Club Career
SL Benfica
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Made her senior debut at age 16 during the 2018/19 season, helping the team win the second division and secure promotion.
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Signed her first professional contract at 17 and became a central figure in Benfica’s attack.
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Won four consecutive Portuguese league titles, four League Cups, two Super Cups, and a Portuguese Cup.
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In the 2023/24 season, helped Benfica achieve a historic domestic quadruple, winning all four major Portuguese trophies-a feat never before accomplished in Portuguese women’s football.
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Named Player of the Year, Golden Boot winner, and Best Scorer in the 2023/24 Liga BPI season.
FC Barcelona
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Transferred to Barcelona in July 2024 for a record fee for Portuguese women’s football.
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Debuted in September 2024 and scored her first goal for Barcelona in October.
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Quickly adapted to Barcelona’s style, contributing goals and assists and helping the team win the Spanish Super Cup in January 2025.
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Known for her versatility, she can play across the front line or as an attacking midfielder, excelling in both creative and finishing roles.
International Career
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Made her senior debut for Portugal in March 2020.
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Scored her first international goals in June 2022 and became the youngest Portuguese player to score at a World Cup (2023), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
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Key player in Portugal’s historic qualification for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
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As of early 2025, has 39 caps and 8 goals for Portugal.
Achievements and Honors
Club Honors
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SL Benfica
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Campeonato Nacional Feminino: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
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Taça de Portugal: 2023–24
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Taça da Liga: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2022–23, 2023–24
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Supertaça de Portugal: 2022, 2023
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Campeonato Nacional II Divisão Feminino: 2018–19
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FC Barcelona
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Spanish Super Cup: 2025
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Individual Awards
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Campeonato Nacional Feminino Player of the Year: 2023–24
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Campeonato Nacional Feminino Golden Boot: 2023–24
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Cosme Damião Awards – Women’s Footballer of the Year: 2023, 2024
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Mundo Deportivo Revelation Player: 2024
Playing Style and Strengths
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Creative and versatile forward, comfortable as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder.
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Exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to find and exploit space.
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Intelligent movement, quick decision-making, and a knack for scoring and creating goals.
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Brings flair and unpredictability to her teams, fitting seamlessly into Barcelona’s dynamic attack.
Career Stats (as of May 2025)
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Date of Birth: November 17, 2002
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Height: 1.70 m
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Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
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Current Club: FC Barcelona
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Club Number: 19
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Barcelona Appearances: 33
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Barcelona Goals: 10
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Benfica Appearances: 128
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Benfica Goals: 63
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Portugal Caps: 39
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Portugal Goals: 8
Frequently Asked Questions About Francisca Nazareth
How old is Francisca Nazareth?
She is 22 years old, born on November 17, 2002.
What position does Francisca Nazareth play?
She plays as a forward and attacking midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Portugal national team.
What are Francisca Nazareth’s major achievements?
She has won multiple league titles and cups with Benfica, a Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, and has been named Portuguese Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner.
What makes Francisca Nazareth stand out?
Her creativity, technical skill, vision, and ability to score and create goals in big matches.
Conclusion
Francisca “Kika” Nazareth’s journey from futsal courts in Lisbon to starring for Barcelona and Portugal is a testament to her talent, intelligence, and flair. Already a record-breaker and a leader for club and country, she is poised to become one of the defining players of her generation.
