Jacynta Galabadaarachchi


Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi, also known as Jacynta Gala, is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Serie A Femminile club [US US Sassuolo Calcio (women)|Sassuolo Calcio (women)|Sassuolo] and the [Australia women's national Association football|soccer team|Australia women's national team].
IG jacynta_gala

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. 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.

Club career

Melbourne City, 2016–2017

In October 2016 at age 15, Galabadaarachchi signed with Melbourne City for the 2016–17 season, and made five appearances for the club, 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.

Perth Glory, 2018–2019

Galabadaarachchi returned to Australia and signed with Perth Glory for the 2018–19 W-League season.

West Ham United, 2019–2020

In July 2019, Galabadaarachchi secured a move to English FA WSL side West Ham United.

Napoli, 2020–2021

Galabadaarachchi signed on loan with Italian team Napoli in September 2020.

Celtic, 2021–2023

Galabadaarachchi signed for SWPL side Celtic in February 2021. In July 2023, Celtic confirmed that Galabadaarachchi would leave the club.

Sporting CP, 2023–2025

Galabadaarachchi signed for Portuguese team Sporting CP in July 2023.

Sassuolo, 2025–

In August 2025, Galabadaarachchi joined Italian club Sassuolo.

International career

Galabadaarachchi is eligible to represent Australia, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Italy in international football, 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. After being called up again by Australia in 2022, but not making her international debut, she announced in 2023 that she would instead commit to playing for Argentina. However, she again failed to debut for La Albiceleste, and was called up by Australia for the third time in mid 2025 for two friendlies against Slovenia in June.
She made her international debut for Australian on 5 July 2025 in the first friendly against Panama in Bunbury, Western Australia, coming on as a sub in the second half.

Personal life

Galabadaarachchi is in a relationship with Swedish footballer Carl Starfelt.

Honours

Melbourne City
Celtic
Sporting