Sara Gama is an Italian professional footballer renowned for her leadership, intelligence, and defensive prowess. She plays as a centre-back and captains Juventus in Serie A, and is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in Italian women’s football.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 27, 1989, in Trieste, Italy, to an Italian mother and Congolese father, Gama began playing football in her neighborhood before joining local youth teams Zaule and Polisportiva San Marco. Her multicultural background has shaped her unique perspective and advocacy for diversity in the sport.
Club Career
Gama’s senior career started at UPC Tavagnacco, where she made 52 appearances. She then played for Chiasiellis, experiencing both success and a serious knee injury. In 2010, she had a stint in the US with Pali Blues, then moved to PSG in France’s Division 1 Féminine before returning to Italy with Brescia, where she won her first Serie A and Coppa Italia double.
In 2017, Gama joined Juventus as the club launched its women’s team, becoming captain from the outset. She has since led Juventus to five consecutive Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia trophies, and multiple Supercoppa Italiana victories, helping establish the club as a dominant force in Italian and European football.
International Career
Gama debuted for the Italy national team in 2006 at age 16. She captained Italy at four European Championships and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Italy reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 20 years. She was named Italy’s captain in 2014 and earned 140 caps, making her the fourth-most capped Italian women’s player ever. Gama retired from international football in February 2024, after nearly two decades of service
As a youth, she captained Italy to the 2008 UEFA U-19 European Championship title and was named Player of the Tournament.
Playing Style
Gama is known for her intelligence, anticipation, and positional sense as a centre-back. She relies on reading the game, organization, and clean distribution rather than physicality. Her calmness and leadership have been central to her teams’ defensive solidity.
Achievements
With Brescia:
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Serie A: 2015–16
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Coppa Italia: 2015–16
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Italian Women’s Super Cup: 2015, 2016
With Juventus:
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Serie A: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22
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Coppa Italia: 2018–19, 2021–22
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Supercoppa Italiana: 2019, 2020–21, 2021–22
Individual:
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AIC Best Women’s XI: 2019
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Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2019
With Italy:
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UEFA U-19 European Champion (2008, captain & Player of the Tournament)
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140 senior caps, 7 international goals
Off the Pitch
Gama holds a degree in Languages from the University of Udine and speaks Italian, English, French, and Spanish. She is an advocate for equality, diversity, and women’s rights in sport, serving as vice president of the Italian Footballers’ Association and a member of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission.
In 2018, Mattel honored her with a Sara Gama Barbie doll as part of its “Barbie’s Heroes” line. She has also been a vocal opponent of racism and a champion for the professionalization of women’s football in Italy.
FAQs About Sara Gama
What position does Sara Gama play?
Centre-back.
Which clubs has she played for?
Tavagnacco, Chiasiellis, Pali Blues, PSG, Brescia, Juventus.
How old is Sara Gama?
Born March 27, 1989.
What are her main achievements?
Five Serie A titles with Juventus, over 130 Italy caps, UEFA U-19 European champion, Italian Football Hall of Fame inductee.
What is her legacy?
Leadership on and off the pitch, advocacy for equality and diversity, and a transformative figure in Italian women’s football.
Conclusion
Sara Gama’s journey from Trieste to captaining Juventus and Italy is a testament to her talent, resilience, and leadership. She remains a symbol of progress and inspiration in football and beyond.
