After making her senior international debut as a 15-year-old, Juliana played for Brazil in the 1999 and 2003 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

As a child Juliana played street football with her brother, sometimes telling their disapproving mother that she was only taking part as the referee.

[2][3] She progressed to playing for Saad Esporte Clube at 14 years old,[4] then joined São Paulo FC where she won state and national titles.

[10] While playing for the latter in a training match against boys in April 2007 she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which curtailed transfer negotiations she had been undertaking with English and Spanish clubs.

[15] At the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Juliana was among eight players of Brazil's 20-player squad who were contracted to São Paulo FC.

[21] A serious knee injury sustained in April 2007 caused Juliana to miss the 2007 Pan American Games,[22] and ultimately the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

[10] She continued to work as a commentator and sports journalist for several media outlets including RedeTV!, Rádio Globo and ESPN.