WK League News

Gangjin Swans WFC (formerly known as Changnyeong WFC) have signed 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Manuela (Manu) Polachini.

Polachini is a native of São José do Rio Preto in southeast Brazil who began playing football at eight years old and never looked back. Her performance as a youth player earned her a call-up to Brazil’s national U-17 team. She plays as an attacking midfielder.

Having played for local side Realidade Jovem, she was awarded a scholarship to study at Central Methodist University in Missouri, U.S.A. After two years and 33 games with CMU, Polachini transferred to Briar Cliff University in Iowa in May 2024. She made 19 appearances for Briar Cliff in 2024, clocking up five goals and seven assists, and graduated from college last year.

Polachini can be seen smiling alongside her new teammates in photographs uploaded to social media from Gangjin WFC’s pre-season training. The club has moved to Gangjin in Jeollanam-do ahead of the 2026 WK League season, having previously been based in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam.