The WNBA draft night saw Kamilla Cardoso warn rivals about her pair-up with former NCAA rival and superstar Angel Reese in the Chicago Sky. Cardoso joined Chicago as their third overall pick. Meanwhile, Reese was selected as the Sky’s seventh pick. Speaking of teaming with Reese, the Brazilian star noted how rivals won’t get any rebounds against them. Well, the ex-South Carolina Gamecocks Center’s draft night was not just full of such fiery challenges and warnings. At one point, Cardoso’s eyes welled up after hearing her compatriot and NWSL superstar Marta wish her luck.

In a video posted by the WNBA on X, Kamilla Cardoso could be seen looking in a mirror. Then, footage of Marta from the Orlando Pride camp comes up on the screen. “Hola Kamilla Cardoso. We’re so proud of you. Whole Brazil likes watching you. And we can’t wait to see you shine again,” said Marta in the message, blowing a kiss to Cardoso. Hearing this, the 6’7 Brazilian center got overwhelmed, and tears of joy started to flow. “Thank you so much, guys; I’m a huge fan. I’m really happy, I’m a huge fan,” said Kamilla Cardoso, thanking her draftees for this personalized message from the Brazilian soccer legend.

It is no surprise to see a Brazilian woman athlete like Kamilla Cardoso admiring Marta. The Orlando Pride striker is one of the biggest figures in Brazilian women’s soccer. The 38-year-old is Brazil’s all-time scoring leader with 116 goals. FIFA has repeatedly chosen her as Women’s Player of the Year from 2006 to 2010. Like this recent NWSL-WNBA moment, Marta might have inspired Cardoso to don an athlete’s hat. Similar to Marta, the 22-year-old has also plied her trade for Brazil, making the nation proud at a young age.

What Marta is to Brazilian soccer, could Kamilla Cardoso be to Brazil’s basketball?

Kamilla Cardoso debuted for Brazil’s national basketball team in 2021, back when she was 19. She participated in the FIBA AmeriCup and even put out a defensive riot that helped the Brazil team win bronze at the tournament. The then-US team, coached by Dawn Staley, knocked out Brazil in the semi-finals.

Cardoso’s defensive display attracted eyeballs and she became a red-hot prospect in the NCAA. Later, she would link up with her semi-final rival, Staley, in South Carolina, and the rest is history.

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While her debut tournament ended dismally, Cardoso helped Brazil secure a gold medal at the South American basketball championship. Thereafter, Brazil vanquished the US in the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup to win a gold medal. Cardoso finished this tournament as its MVP. Now, like Marta, Cardoso is also plying her trade in the US, playing pro ball at the highest level.

What are your thoughts on the two Brazilian athletes’ surprise link-up? Share with us in the comments.