When Lirian Santos steps onto any pitch, park, or beach with a football at her feet, something magical happens. The Brazilian-born, London-based creative doesn't just play football – she dances with it, breathes life into it, makes it look like pure poetry in motion.
Known across social media as "the Queen of Brazilian style," Lirian has carved out her own lane in the world of football freestyling, turning what could have been a barrier – being one of the few women in the space – into her greatest strength. Her videos don't just showcase incredible skill; they radiate the pure joy that made her fall in love with the beautiful game in the first place.
At 23, she's already become a beacon for young female freestylers everywhere, proving that football belongs to anyone with passion and a willingness to express themselves. But beyond the viral videos and jaw-dropping tricks, there's a deeper story about heritage, creativity, and reclaiming the joy that football was always meant to bring.
We caught up with Lirian to talk about defying expectations, Brazilian flair, and why she's on a mission to make football fun again.
Deeds: As a female, you got into the world of football freestyling. How did you defy the odds and expectations?
Lirian Santos: When I started posting freestyle/football videos, I noticed there were very few girls doing it. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, I saw it as a gap in the market, a chance to bring something new to the scene. I dedicated hours to practising, creating, and sharing my journey online. With no set path to follow, I had the freedom to build my style and identity in the sport. As my content grew, so did the support.. For me, it wasn’t about proving anyone wrong. It was about showing what’s possible when you spot an opportunity and go all in.
Deeds: How did your love for football come through?
Lirian Santos: My love for football started at a young age. It was more than just a game; it brought my whole family together, from cousins to aunties and uncles. Football was always in our blood. It was our way of expressing joy.
We’d spend hours playing in the park, and for us, it wasn’t just about scoring goals; it was about how you did it. Skills, flair, and beating your man with a bit of Tekk were what we valued most.
That joy and creativity made me fall in love with the game. Watching Ronaldinho was a big part of that, too; he always played with a smile, and you could see how much fun and how much love for the game he had. He showed me that football is about happiness, expression, and playing with love.
Deeds: Being Brazilian, the founders of samba and joga bonito heritage - how do you express your diaspora heritage in your freestyling?
Lirian Santos: Through every video I post, my goal is to bring back the joy and freedom that football used to have. I want to inspire people to play for the love of the game, not just see it as a serious, rigid sport shaped by big money.
Whether it’s trying a new skill in the garden or calling up some friends for a kickabout, I hope my videos encourage people just to have fun with football again. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Deeds: Who are your favourite Brazilian footballers - the top 3 you rank of all time and grew up with?
Lirian Santos: Ronaldinho
Neymar
Vini jr
Deeds: So talk to us, for those who don’t know who Lirian is? Tell us more about yourself!
Lirian Santos: My name is Lirian. I’m 23. I was born in Bahia, Brazil. I moved to London when I was 3.
I’ve always loved football, but I didn’t always connect with the structure of traditional 11-a-side, especially in the English system, where things can feel rigid and overly serious. Over time, that pressure took some of the joy out of the game for me.
During lockdown, everything shifted. With team sports on hold, I started exploring other forms of football freestyle, futsal, altinha, beach soccer, and futevôlei. These variations reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. They brought back the creativity, the joy, the freedom.
Freestyle especially allowed me to express myself in ways that 11-a-side didn’t always make room for. Futsal and Altinha helped me sharpen my ball control, and that made me a better player in traditional formats too. But most importantly, I rediscovered that football can be fun again.
Now, I’m on a mission to share that joy to inspire others to see football not just as a structured sport, but as a creative outlet, a source of happiness, and a global language. Through the videos I post and the way I play, I want to show that there’s no one right way to enjoy the beautiful game.
Deeds: The Brazilian style - I always see you showcasing it in your videos. What is the definition behind it?
Lirian Santos: “Brazilian Style” is all about bringing flair, creativity, and joy into everything I do with football. To me, it means playing with freedom, making the game expressive and skilful, not just functional. Whether it’s freestyle, futsal, or just juggling on the beach, it’s about showing that football is art, not just a sport. ‘Brazilian style ’ is the energy I try to bring into every video, happiness, rhythm, and style, reminding people that the beautiful game should feel beautiful to play.
Deeds: Queens of the pitch, such a cultivational movement! How did the whole idea come up?
Lirian Santos: We’re a group of four girls who love football and want to use our platform to inspire other girls to get involved in the game. Representing a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we reflect the diversity of London. That’s what makes our group powerful: we’re showing that football is for everyone.
We started QOTP to create content that makes football feel fun and accessible, while also showing that it can be more than just a hobby; it can be a career. Whether it’s through playing, content creation, coaching, or working in the football industry in other ways, girls belong in every part of the game.
Deeds: Out of you and the girls - who is the funniest?
Lirian Santos: Nafisa for sure
Deeds: Do you think since the releases of like the total ’90s being back and other vintage masterpiece football shoes, they’re something you’d rock for fashion?
Lirian Santos: I think they’re super cool. I’m not sure if they would suit me, but I rate people who rock them, em, haha. Maybe I’ll give them a try.
Deeds: Share with us your ideal outfit for a football match, reflecting your style?
Lirian Santos: Baggy denim
Cropped vintage football T
Timberlands
After chatting with Lirian, it's impossible not to smile. There's something about the way she talks about football – like it's this magical thing that can fix any bad day – that makes you want to grab a ball and head to the nearest park.
Whether you're into freestyle or just love a good kickabout, one thing's clear: Lirian Santos is having the time of her life, and she's bringing everyone else along for the ride.
