Vanessa Gilles is a Canadian centre-back who has emerged as one of the most dominant defenders in women’s football. Renowned for her aerial strength, resilience, and knack for scoring from the back, she has been central to the successes of both Olympique Lyonnais and the Canadian national team.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 11, 1996, in Ottawa, Canada, Gilles spent her early years in Shanghai before returning to Canada. She initially played competitive tennis and was a goalkeeper before switching to defender. Gilles played collegiate soccer at the University of Cincinnati, starting every game and earning multiple conference honors. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in IT.
Club Career
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Apollon Limassol (2017–2018): Began her professional career in Cyprus, scoring 10 goals in 14 games and winning the Cyprus Cup.
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Bordeaux (2018–2022): Moved to France’s D1 Arkema, helping Bordeaux qualify for the Champions League and finishing as high as third in the league.
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Angel City FC (2022): Spent a season in the NWSL, gaining valuable experience in the U.S.
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Olympique Lyonnais (2023–present): Joined Lyon, quickly becoming a first-choice centre-back alongside Wendie Renard. Gilles has won back-to-back French league titles (2022–23, 2023–24), the Coupe de France (2023), and the Trophée des Championnes (2023). She played a key role in Lyon’s run to the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League final and scored eight goals for Lyon in 2024, a remarkable tally for a defender.
International Career
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France U23: Represented France at the U23 level in 2018 due to her father’s Parisian roots.
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Canada Senior Team (2019–present): Switched allegiance to Canada, debuting in 2019. Played every minute of Canada’s matches at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, scoring the decisive penalty in the quarterfinal shootout and helping Canada win gold. She was a key figure at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, and scored a stoppage-time winner against France in the 2024 Olympic group stage. As of late 2024, Gilles has 48 international caps and was named Canada Soccer’s Player of the Year.
Playing Style and Strengths
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Aerial Dominance: Exceptional in the air, both defensively and as a goal threat on set pieces.
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Defensive Intelligence: Reads the game well, positions herself effectively, and excels at clearing danger.
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Physicality & Aggression: Known for her old-school, no-nonsense defending-strong in tackles and duels.
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Passing: Functional and improving, capable of helping her team play out from the back.
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Leadership: Calm under pressure, with a relentless mentality and strong presence on and off the pitch.
Career Stats (as of May 2025)
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Date of Birth: March 11, 1996
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Age: 29
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Height: 5’9” (1.75 m)
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Position: Centre-back
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Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
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Lyon Appearances (2023–24): 25
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Lyon Goals (2024): 8
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Canada Caps: 48
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Canada Goals (2024): 4
Achievements and Honors
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Olympique Lyonnais:
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2× Division 1 Féminine Champion (2022–23, 2023–24)
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Coupe de France Winner (2023)
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Trophée des Championnes Winner (2023)
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UEFA Women’s Champions League finalist (2024)
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Canada:
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Olympic Gold Medalist (Tokyo 2020)
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FIFA Women’s World Cup participant (2023)
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Concacaf W Championship Silver Medalist (2022)
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Canada Soccer Player of the Year (2024)
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Individual:
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Named in Division 1 Féminine Team of the Year (2024)
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Concacaf W Championship Best XI (2022)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vanessa Gilles
How old is Vanessa Gilles?
She is 29 years old, born on March 11, 1996.
What position does Vanessa Gilles play?
She is a centre-back for Olympique Lyonnais and the Canadian national team.
What are Vanessa Gilles’s major achievements?
She is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time French league champion, and was named Canada Soccer Player of the Year in 2024.
What makes Vanessa Gilles stand out?
Her aerial ability, defensive strength, leadership, and goal-scoring from defense make her one of the world’s elite centre-backs.
Conclusion
Vanessa Gilles’s journey from Ottawa to the pinnacle of European and international football is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and resilience. As a defensive anchor for Lyon and Canada, she continues to set new standards and inspire the next generation of footballers.
