We have been witnessing Pilar growing up since she was a little baby being pushed by her father in the whitewater at the beach. With her dad and brothers as references, she is becoming one of the coolest surfers to watch out on the line up. But behind her shy smile, hides a fierce competitor not only on the waves but especially on the football pitch. Training and playing as hard as she can, for Benfica Escola Futebol Açores, Pilar is one of those players that leaves everything on the field. Watch out Cristiano Ronaldo :D
Photo: Francisco Garcia
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Pilar, I'm eleven years old, I was born and live in Ponta Delgada, at São Miguel island. I am in the 6th grade. I play football and surf.
How’s life on the Island?
It's good, everything is closer and we can move quicker from one place to another; for example, I can get out of football training and in five minutes I'm on the beach to surf and relax.
Favorite place? Why?
Santa Bárbara beach, because it's almost my second home. When there’re good waves (for me), I can surf and, when there aren’t, I can just kick some balls.
Favorite object? Why?
Difficult question to choose an object, because I have several: my surfboard, football balls and boots, my bicycle, skateboard, playstation. But I think the top three are at the top.
What about hobbies?
Playing football, surfing, playing FIFA on the playstation, reading and walking my dogs (sometimes).
What about surfing. What role does it have in your life?
For me, surfing is a sport that I practice to have fun and relax, but, as I am very competitive, I also like to participate in surfing events.
What about football?
Football is as important as surfing, but it’s different: it came from me, while surfing came more under the influence of my family. I have a dream to be a professional football player, but to continue surfing for the rest of my life.
One song / one band
It depends on the moment: AC/DC to give that extra pump for surfing. To get focused before a football game, I listen to several songs, but mostly some music from the FIFA playlist.
A unique moment in your life?
Yes, some tournaments and football games in which I participated, the first maneuvers I completed and also one of my surfing championships, the Azores Cup that I won.
What’s been keeping busy?
In addition to online school, what has kept me busy is surfing and football.
If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to surf with and one to have dinner or conversation, who would they be? Why?
To surf, it would be with my brother Jácome, and, to chat, it would be Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappé. I would choose my brother Jácome, because he helps me a lot, says where I have to improve, helps me get out there on the most difficult days and encourages me on the days when I’m most afraid, in addition to being one of my idols. I would choose Ronaldo or Mbappé, because they are my favorite football players / idols. In this question, I would also choose my father, because he also helps me and I love talking to him.
What haven’t we asked you?
You could have asked me what I can pass on to people my age? With will and organization, I manage to get good grades at school, have my football practices and matches, catch some waves and study.
Photo: Francisco Garcia
Some photos are courtesy of Benfica Escolas Futebol Açores and used with Pilar's father's permission.