Barcelona announced the signing of Brazil forward Kerolin from Manchester City on Tuesday, August 4, in a record four-year transfer worth 1.2 million euros. The deal, which includes contract bonuses, equals around 7 million reais and sets a record as the most expensive transfer involving a Brazilian female player. It is also the largest sale in the history of Manchester City women's football and the largest purchase ever made by Barcelona in the women's game.
The Catalan club signed Kerolin to a contract running until 2030. Barcelona intends to strengthen its squad and replace outgoing players Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo.
Early career and health challenges
Kerolin began playing football in the streets of Campinas, in the interior of Sao Paulo. At 12 years old, she began feeling pain in her right leg and was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a bone infection that almost led to the amputation of her right leg. After recovering from the illness, she played for Guarani in 2016 and rose to prominence at Ponte Preta in 2017.
Her strong performances earned her an invitation from Corinthians/Audax to play in the Women's Copa Libertadores. Kerolin won the tournament title with the team at 17 years old.
Doping suspension and international career
Kerolin transferred to Palmeiras in 2019, but she tested positive for GW1516 just one month after joining the club. The banned substance increases muscle endurance and helps burn body fat. The positive test resulted in a two-year suspension from football.
When her suspension ended in 2021, coach Pia Sundhage called Kerolin up to the Brazilian national team for two friendly matches against Argentina. Kerolin then took her first steps in international football with Madrid CFF in Spain before moving to North Carolina Courage in the United States league in 2022.
In 2023, Kerolin suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in her right knee and spent more than eight months out of action. Following her recovery, she represented Brazil at the Paris Olympic Games and won a silver medal.
Kerolin joined Manchester City in 2025 on a contract running through 2028. During the 2025/26 season, she became the first Brazilian woman to win the English Women's Championship and also won the Women's FA Cup.
