Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi (born 6 June 2001), also known as Jacynta Gala,[1][2] is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Sporting CP and the Australia women's national under-20 team.
 Galabadaarachchi in 2020 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi | ||
| Date of birth | 6 June 2001 | ||
| Place of birth | Dandenong, Australia | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Sporting Portugal | ||
| Number | 8 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Kingston City | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2017 | Melbourne City | 5 | (0) |
| 2018 | Alamein FC | – | (–) |
| 2018–2019 | Perth Glory | 4 | (0) |
| 2019–2020 | West Ham United | 11 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Napoli | 4 | (0) |
| 2021–2023 | Celtic | 25 | (15) |
| 2023– | Sporting | 0 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2016–2018 | Australia U17 | ||
| 2018 | Australia U20 | 1 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 May 2023 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 31 October 2018 | |||
Early life
Galabadaarachchi began playing soccer at age five after watching her brother play. She was later invited to Manchester City W.F.C. Academy and spent eight weeks training with the team.[3] At age 14, her request to play for an under-15 boys premier league team was denied by Football Federation Victoria; the decision was later overturned.[4]
Club career
Melbourne City, 2016–2017
In October 2016 at age 15, Galabadaarachchi signed with Melbourne City for the 2016–17 season,[5] and made five appearances for the club,[6] playing primarily as a striker. After getting limited playing time at Melbourne City, Galabadaarachchi went to England and trained with various professional teams over there. Despite offers she was unable to sign a pro contract as she was under 18.[7]
Perth Glory, 2018–2019
Galabadaarachchi returned to Australia and signed with Perth Glory for the 2018–19 W-League season.[8]
West Ham United, 2019–2020
In July 2019, Galabadaarachchi secured a move to English FA WSL side West Ham United.[9]
Napoli, 2020–2021
Galabadaarachchi signed on loan with Italian team Napoli in September 2020.[10]
Celtic, 2021–2023
Galabadaarachchi signed for SWPL side Celtic in February 2021.[11] In July 2023, Celtic confirmed that Galabadaarachchi would leave the club.[12]
Sporting CP, 2023–present
She signed for Portuguese team Sporting CP in July 2023.[13]
International career
Galabadaarachchi is eligible to represent Australia, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Italy in international football,[14][15] and has represented the Australian Under-17 team. In February 2017, she was called up for the Matildas for training camp ahead of the 2017 Algarve Cup.[16][17]
Personal life
She has a relationship with Swedish footballer Carl Starfelt.[18][19]
Career statistics
Club
- As of 13 July 2020[20]
| Club | Season | League | National Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Melbourne City | 2016–17 | W-League | 5 | 0 | — | — | 5 | 0 | ||
| Perth Glory | 2018–19 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| West Ham United | 2019–20 | FA WSL | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Career total | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||
Honours
- Melbourne City
- Celtic
- SWPL League Cup: 2022,[21] 2023[22]
See also
References
Further reading
- Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803240368
- Stewart, Barbara (2012), Women's Soccer: The Passionate Game, Greystone Books, ISBN 1926812603
External links
- J. Galabadaarachchi at Soccerway
- Jacynta Galabadaarachchi on Instagram