to pay attention, to show romantic interest
Cara, aquela garota está dando bola para você, vá falar com ela!
Dude, that girl is totally flirting with you, go talk to her!
A familiar explanation connects dar bola ("to give the ball") with football. Passing the ball to a teammate means trusting them and bringing them into the play; this gesture illustrates paying attention to someone. The image explains the meaning without establishing the expression’s first use.
Source: Canal Brasileirices.
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