Canadian midfielder Julia Grosso He has a dazzlingly bright career ahead of him.
Two years ago, having never scored in any situation in international football before, Grosso stepped up in the penalty shootout. Tokyo 2020 gold medal with Sweden.
She scored to win Canada’s first Olympic football title, and the then 20-year-old – who played Big 12 football for the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Division I – suddenly found himself in the spotlight.
Moving on to the Italian giants Juventus followed and became one of the most promising players in the world ahead of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Julia Grosso’s road to Juventus
Grosso made her international debut at the age of 17 and was part of the 2019 World Cup squad that traveled with the runners-up Netherlands in the last 16 matches.
Although she did not compete regularly in Canada at the Olympics, she became famous for winning the penalty shootout in Yokohama.
After the Games, Grosso returned to her pivotal role with the Texas Longhorns where she reconvened 15 goals and 12 assists in 42 matches for three seasons.
But four months after her Olympic glory, in December 2021, she signed her first professional football contract with Juventus.
Her initial one-year contract was quickly extended as the left-footed became an integral part of the coach Joe Montemurro plans, and the club are reportedly ready to offer a further extension until 2026, with English club Manchester City interested.
Since making her Juve debut in January 2022, the 22-year-old has scored two goals and recorded five assists, and played her part in a league and cup double in 2021-22.
This season they barely managed to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League, which allowed them to focus on domestic competitions.
They have work to do if they want to retain the league title as they are currently second, eight points behind Roma.
The future of Canadian football
Grosso and her Canadian teammates will face the US, Brazil and Japan SheBelieves Cup 2023 – an invitational tournament they will no doubt use to prepare for this summer 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Canada’s women’s soccer team is currently protesting pay equality concerns. The team’s proposed strike was called off after Canada Soccer threatened legal action.
Canadian national team captain Christina Sinclair took to Twitter express your thoughts on the situation.
“To be clear, we are being forced back to work for the short term. It’s not over yet. We will continue to fight for everything we deserve and we will win. She Believes is played in protest.”
Like other European players from Canada, Grosso was not called up to the SheBelieves Cup. But she also shared her feelings via social media.
Canada has qualified for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and is still expected to travel to Down Under for the tournament.
They will face each other Nigeria, Republic of Ireland and co-hosts Australia in Group B and their first match is scheduled for July 21, 2023.
