Dudinha Is Becoming the Engine of San Diego Wave’s Attack

At just 20 years old, Dudinha is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous attacking players in the NWSL.

The Brazilian winger added another milestone to her breakout 2026 season this week, earning NWSL Assist of the Week honors after setting up Mimi Van Zanten’s match winning goal in San Diego Wave FC’s 2-1 rivalry victory over Angel City FC.

The play perfectly captured what has made Dudinha so effective this season. After receiving the ball on the left side, she accelerated into space and drew defenders toward her before delivering a composed cross into the box for Van Zanten’s first professional goal.

Just minutes earlier, Dudinha had already scored herself, driving through multiple defenders before finishing to silence the home crowd at BMO Stadium.

Through nine matches, Dudinha has produced three goals and four assists, giving her seven total goal contributions for the Wave. Her four assists are tied for the most in the NWSL alongside Olivia Moultrie of the Portland Thorns.

Her impact stretches beyond the stat sheet. Dudinha’s speed and direct attacking style have become central to San Diego’s transition game under head coach Jonas Eidevall. Time and again this season, the Wave have relied on her ability to burst behind defensive lines and create danger in open space.

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She announced herself early in the campaign with the Wave’s first goal of the season against Utah Royals FC, capitalizing on a high press before calmly finishing.

Three days later, she scored the third fastest goal in club history against Portland and added an assist in the same match.

Dudinha continued her creative run against Chicago Stars FC, recording two assists in a 2-0 victory. She first set up Lia Godfrey’s breakthrough goal, and later she delivered the pass that allowed Melanie Barcenas to seal the win with a long range strike.

Even in matches where she has not directly contributed to a goal, Dudinha has consistently forced defenses backward. Her aggressive dribbling and willingness to attack defenders one on one have helped open space for teammates like Lia Godfrey, Ludmila, and Gia Corley throughout San Diego’s strong start to the season.

Statistically, Dudinha has been among the Wave’s most productive attacking players:

She has also completed 18 successful dribbles while maintaining a 72 percent passing accuracy rate.

For a player still only 20 years old, Dudinha’s growth has been remarkable. Whether stretching defenses with her pace, creating chances on the counterattack, or delivering decisive moments in rivalry matches, she has quickly become one of the driving forces behind San Diego’s attack in 2026.