Vanessa Brigitte Gilles
DEF
About Gilles
Early Life & Background
Vanessa Brigitte Gilles is a Canadian professional soccer player born on March 11, 1996, in Châteauguay, Quebec. Initially a tennis player, she transitioned to soccer during her teenage years, starting as a goalkeeper before finding her true calling as a centre-back. Gilles began her youth career with FC Capital United in Ottawa, Ontario, where she won a league title in 2013 and earned a bronze medal with Team Ontario at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
Club Career
Gilles' professional journey began after a brief stint with West Ottawa SC, where she made nine appearances and scored two goals. She moved to Cyprus to play for Apollon Limassol in 2018, where she had an impressive season, netting ten goals in 11 appearances. After showcasing her talent, she joined FC Girondins de Bordeaux in France, making 65 appearances and contributing four goals from 2018 to 2021. In 2022, she signed with Angel City, where she made seven appearances and had one assist before being loaned to Lyon, where she played 46 matches and scored 12 goals. As of the 2025-2026 season, Gilles is with Bayern Munich, having made 20 appearances and providing one assist.
International Career
Vanessa Gilles has been an integral part of the Canadian national team since 2019, earning over 60 caps and scoring 11 goals. Her international career reached a pinnacle when she represented Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, contributing significantly to the team's remarkable gold medal victory. Gilles has also previously played for the France U23 team in 2018, marking her as a versatile defender on the international stage.
Playing Style
Gilles is known for her commanding presence on the field, exceptional defensive skills, and leadership qualities. As a centre-back, she excels in aerial duels and tackles, making her a formidable opponent for attackers. Her ability to read the game and organize the defense sets her apart as a key player for both club and country.
Honours & Achievements
Vanessa Gilles has achieved significant success throughout her career, winning a total of eight titles, including the prestigious Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Her club success includes multiple league titles with FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Lyon, solidifying her reputation as one of the top defenders in women's football.