Maria Alves (footballer)

Maria Aparecida Souza Alves (born 7 July 1993), usually known as Maria Alves and sometimes simply as Maria, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Santos.

Career beginnings
Born in Tabocal Grande, a small village near Cristalândia do Piauí, Piauí, Maria moved to Brasília at the age of 14 to pursue a professional career. She began her career with Associação Atlética Esportiva e Recreativa dos Cooperados e Funcionários das Cooperativas do Distrito Federal in 2010, and spent three months at Ipatinga before receiving an offer from Vitória das Tabocas in 2011.

Centro Olímpico
In 2013, Maria joined Centro Olímpico. She made her league debut against Tuna Luso on 23 October 2013.

Santos
Maria Alves joined Santos in 2015, after the women's team was reestablished. She scored on her league debut against Pinheirense on 9 September 2015, scoring in the 25th minute.

Juventus
On 3 September 2019, Maria moved abroad for the first time in her career, signing for Juventus. She made her league debut against Empoli on 14 September 2019. Maria Alves scored her first league goal against Florentia on 13 October 2019, scoring in the 70th minute.

Palmeiras
On 24 May 2021, she returned to her home country with Palmeiras. Maria Alves made her league debut against Flamengo on 31 May 2021. She scored her first league goal against Napoli on 21 June 2021, scoring in the 75th minute.

Flamengo
On 16 January 2022, Maria agreed to a contract with Flamengo. She made her league debut against São Paulo on 7 March 2022. Maria Alves scored her first goal for the club against CRESSPOM on 13 March 2022, scoring in the 90th+2nd minute.

León
On 17 August 2023, she was presented at Liga MX Femenil side León.

Santos
On 22 January 2024, Maria was announced back at her former club Santos on a one-year contract. She made her league debut against Real Brasília on 15 March 2024.

International career
Maria Alves represented Brazil at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She made her senior debut in 2017.

Honours
Centro Olímpico
 * Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino: 2013

São José
 * International Women's Club Championship: 2014
 * Copa Libertadores Femenina: 2014

Santos
 * Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino: 2017
 * Campeonato Paulista: 2018

Juventus
 * Serie A: 2019–20, 2020–21
 * Coppa Italia: 2018–19
 * Supercoppa Italiana: 2019, 2020–21