Rebecca-Joy Adams: “Football is in My DNA”

South African-born footballer Rebecca-Joy Adams, who currently plays for Sao Bernardo in Brazil, has ambitions of representing the country at the Olympic Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup in future.

The 22-year-old who hails from Elsies River in Cape Town, started playing football when she was 6-years-old with her male cousins and believes that football is in her DNA.

Before Adams joined the Brazilians, she was based in America where she played for North-East Texas Community College.

Speaking with Rudene Hare, Adams chats about her love for football and shares advice to athletes who aspire to play abroad.

Rebecca, thank you for chatting to us here at gsport. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Rebecca-Joy Adams. I’m a professional footballer, currently playing in Brazil and I’m 22 years old.

In September 2022, you moved to Brazil to join Sao Bernardo. Please can you tell us how this opportunity came about.

I was playing in America when the opportunity came about. I was always searching for an opportunity to play in Brazil.

When and where did your love for football begin?

I was 6 years old when I started playing soccer. I have always played soccer with my male cousins and eventually at school. Football is in my DNA. It runs in the family. My cousin was a professional soccer player.

Which sportswomen do you admire and why?

The woman I admire in football has to be Ary Borges who plays for Palmiers and the Brazil National Team. Since I was 15, I always admired the way she played with a lot of flair and skill. She goes past 5 defenders and she’s excellent.

Besides representing Banyana Banyana and joining Sao Bernardo, what else would you say are some of your career achievements to date?

Training and playing with the best players in South Africa was a huge privilege and honour.

What is your greatest career ambition?

Being able to play in the Olympics and playing in a FIFA World Cup.

What advice do you have for young girls who would love to play abroad one day?

Be true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible. Believe in yourself because you are more than capable. Work hard and be consistent in what you do.

Photo 1 Caption: South African-born footballer Rebecca-Joy Adams, who currently plays for Sao Bernardo in Brazil, has ambitions of representing the country at the Olympic Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup in future. Photo: Supplied