Brianna Pinto on Making Soccer More Inclusive and Beginner Product Recs

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Published on Sep 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Black Women’s Player CollectiveDick's Sporting GoodsBlack Women’s Player CollectiveDick's Sporting Goods

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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to star athlete Brianna Pinto about her top soccer product recommendations.

Soccer is in Brianna Pinto's DNA. Her parents were both NCAA Division I student-athletes, her father mastering soccer and her mom excelling in softball. When Pinto saw her older brother embrace soccer at a young age, it felt natural for her to follow in his cleat-clad footsteps. "I fell in love with the sport from day one," she says, noting that she was the "only girl on a boys team" in Rainbow Soccer League in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Today, she continues to break barriers in the sport she so deeply loves, becoming the first academy player to play for N.C. Courage. And over the course of her decorated collegiate career at University of North Carolina, she was named the 2019 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, a 2x All-American, and the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist. "This sport has stretched me in so many different ways," she shares. "It's taught me how to devote my energy to something so much bigger than myself."

This sport has stretched me in so many different ways. It's taught me how to devote my energy to something so much bigger than myself.

For Pinto, that looks like creating opportunities for young Black girls who are still woefully underrepresented in the sport. In November, she'll join fellow players from the Black Women's Player Collective to co-host the Next Wave National Showcase, the first-ever national showcase of top-ranked Black women soccer players in the U.S. A partnership with Allstate and Black Star, the beloved soccer community platform cultivating Black soccer culture, this event aims to create pathways to the collegiate and professional level for the top-performing Black female soccer players from high schools across the country. "Not only will they receive high-quality coaching on the field, but they will also complete off-field educational programming such as career planning sessions, college prep sessions, and nutrition/mental health sessions," says Pinto.

When she isn't mentoring the next generation of athletes or playing herself, Pinto is all about cultivating new experiences with her family and friends. "I love to try new restaurants and go on new adventures while traveling," she reveals, adding that reading and playing basketball, tennis, and pickleball are high on her list of hobbies. Her biggest priority, however, is her faith. "It helps me remain humble and grateful, but also hopeful and inspired," she says. "I do all things in life for the glory of God because it is such a gift to be healthy, to have a wonderful family, and to do what I love for a living."

Keep scrolling to discover Pinto's top product recommendations for aspiring soccer stars.

A Streaming Service Subscription

Paramount+ Streaming Subscription ($8 per month)

Pinto's Paramount+ subscription opens her up to an endless stream of inspiration. "This is how I watch soccer in multiple leagues across the world, including NWSL games," she reveals. "I scout the opposing teams and watch world-class players so I can study the game to become a better player."

Edge Control

Pattern Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Edge Control ($14)

To keep her hair sleek and in place while she plays, Pinto swears by Pattern Beauty's edge control. The product features beeswax and mango seed butter to achieve a lasting hold without flaking or dullness. "In my experience, there's a direct correlation between looking good and playing well," she says.

A Sleep Mask

Nodpod Sleep Mask ($38)

Thanks to its soft texture and lightweight feel, the Nodpod sleep mask is Pinto's go-to for better, deeper sleep. "I travel a lot for soccer, which means I need proper sleep to perform at my best level," she explains. "My NodPod ensures that I get deep and restorative sleep every single night."

Electrolytes

Drink LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes ($40, originally $45)

The soccer star reaches for these bestselling electrolytes for hydration. "Staying hydrated is a critical way to remain healthy, especially during the hot summer months," she says, revealing that her favorite flavor is mango chili. "I add LMNT Electrolytes to my water bottle to ensure that I regulate and retain fluids in my body."

A Soccer Ball

Adidas UEFA Champions League 25/26 Stage Official Match Ball ($170)

Pinto recommends investing in your own soccer ball outside of practice and competition. "I always have access to soccer balls so I can get extra touches," she says. "What you do in your time away from training and games is how you set yourself apart."

This particular ball features a textured surface for more predictable trajectory and a high-grade butyl bladder to maintain its shape. As the official match ball of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League 25/26, it also holds special significance for soccer fans.

A Coffee System

Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System ($230)

"I really enjoy making lattes or espresso shots before I head to training every morning," says Pinto. "It provides the added boost of caffeine that many athletes love." Her coffee system of choice is Ninja's DualBrew, which offers nine grounds sizes, four pod sizes, a built-in frother for cappuccinos or lattes, and an independent hot water system you can use for tea, oatmeal, soups, and more.

Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds ($249)

The star athlete never travels for away games without her Apple AirPods in tow. "I love to get hyped up before practices and games with good music," says Pinto. "My AirPods are always in my tote when I travel because I can set the vibe no matter where I am." The Apple AirPods Pro 3 deliver active noise cancellation, eight hours of listening time per charge, and the ability to track your heart rate and calories burned for several types of workouts.

A Great Pair of Cleats

Adidas Predator Elite Firm Ground Cleats ($260)

The right soccer gear starts with the perfect pair of cleats. Pinto prefers the Adidas Predators, which provide comfortable support, a snug fit for control, and cleats strategically placed for accuracy and precision. "These are where I make the magic happen on the soccer field," she says. "These cleats are incredibly comfortable, light, and durable – perfect to help you score."

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

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