Mônica (footballer, born 1978)

Mônica Angélica de Paula (born 4 April 1978), or simply Mônica, is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a defender. She was a member of the Brazilian National Team that won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Born in São Paulo, Mônica only began playing football in 1999. Before, she used to practice basketball — even played with Adrianinha and Kelly of the basketball national team — and volleyball, which she abandoned after a pregnancy. In her pro career, she also played for São Paulo, Matonense and Araraquara.

At the training camp for the 2000 Summer Olympics, Mônica fought with teammate Daniela. The confrontation was attributed to premenstrual syndrome.