Eagles fans are known for their passion, and in 2026, they were recognized in a big way.

Just months after Ed Callahan was named the NFL's Ultimate Fan of the Year at NFL Honors, São Paulo, Brazil, native Andressa Barbieri was donned the NFL's Ultimate International Fan of the Year at the 2026 Draft.

It was a total shock for Barbieri, who was named the Eagles' IFOTY before going to the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. She got an opportunity to speak with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before finding out she won the whole thing.

Barbieri took fans through her journey to this point in a recent Q&A:

How did you become an Eagles fan?

In 2008, I started watching some NFL games and I realized that the Eagles' fans were different from all the others. The game was always more exciting with the fans cheering and encouraging the team, and that made me want to be a part of it somehow.

What was your reaction to being named the Eagles' International Fan of the Year?

It was unbelievable! I received an email saying they wanted to interview me about flag football and the Eagles, and I was already super excited about it. When they told me the real reason for the interview, I was in shock for a few seconds; I couldn't say anything, just cry. I really didn't believe it was possible; it was a wonderful surprise.

What does it mean to you that the Eagles played a game and Brazil and have a connection with the country through marketing rights?

The Eagles having a connection with Brazil makes me even more passionate about the team. In Brazil, we greatly appreciate it when people from outside the country value our reality and our culture, and it's very gratifying to know that the Eagles care about Brazilian fans and want to be closer to us.

What stands out to you the most about the Eagles?

The community's passion for the team and all the work the team does with the community as a way of giving back, such as the Eagles Autism Foundation.

You have a strong connection to football from playing flag football and refereeing games. What led to that?

When I started following the Eagles games, I really wanted to experience that in some way. It was all so incredible, so exciting, so cool. So I started looking for football and flag football teams in my region. And that completely changed my life. Today, I dedicate myself 100 percent to the flag football community in Brazil, helping with the organization of championships, refereeing games, and creating courses and videos to teach the rules of flag football with my husband (who is also a referee and an Eagles fan). This is our life 24/7.

How impactful was it for the Eagles to play in Brazil in 2024 against the Packers?

It was much more than a dream come true because I had never even dreamed that this could happen someday. It was very exciting when it was announced that we would have the first NFL game in Brazil. And then came the news that it would be an Eagles game. I couldn't believe it was real, my team playing in my country, in my city! And this game greatly strengthened the Eagles fan community here in Brazil. I already knew many fans, but it's clear that we now have the biggest Philadelphia Eagles fan base in Brazil ever!

What did it mean to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh and represent the Eagles and Brazil?

Representing the Eagles and Brazil in the NFL Draft is a great honor and a great responsibility. I know how passionate Eagles fans are around the world, and I know that we are spread across many countries and how important the Philadelphia Eagles are to each of us. Each fan lives a different reality in their country, in their city, and often watching an Eagles game is what makes us enter another state of mind and connect with something bigger, where our priority will always be to cheer and push the Philadelphia Eagles to victory, no matter what.

What was your reaction to being named the Ultimate International Fan of the Year?

I really wasn't expecting it! When they called me to give me the news, it took me a while to understand that I had been named Ultimate International Fan of the Year. And when I understood what was happening, I was very, very happy and emotional.

What was it like sharing that experience with the NFL Commissioner?

I think the most exciting part was hearing from the Commissioner himself that he knew my story and that he truly thought I deserved that nomination. I never imagined that one day the NFL Commissioner would know who I am and suddenly he was praising my work; it was unbelievable!

How was your time at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh?

The entire experience was simply perfect! From the moment we arrived, we had the opportunity to meet the Commissioner, then we got to see behind the scenes of the Draft, see how everything worked, and participate in the three days of the Draft, having the opportunity to announce a pick (fifth-rounder Cole Payton) on the main stage. Simply an extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime experience!

What was your favorite experience in this entire process?

My favorite experience was seeing firsthand how much the NFL is reaching more and more people around the world. Seeing some picks being made from different parts of the world, meeting other International Fans of the Year from various other countries, each with their own story of how the NFL impacted their lives, and even being able to witness a historic moment when Uar Bernard became the first African IPP player drafted in history, and he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles! All this expansion of the NFL around the world means a lot to us, international fans.