Gabriela Salgado’s journey through South African football is one marked by resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story is rooted in the structure built by JVW Football Club, and it’s one that continues to inspire a generation of young footballers who see in her both a role model and a reflection of what is possible.

Gaby’s relationship with JVW began long before she wore the senior badge. At just 12 years old, she found herself under the tutelage of one of South Africa’s most respected footballers, Janine van Wyk. It was through individual training sessions with Janine that Gaby began to take her talent to the next level.

Her development took a major step forward when she joined the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria, the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) official Academy. Surrounded by high-level coaching and training, Gaby flourished and earned regular call-ups to the U17 and U20 Youth National Teams, proudly wearing the green and gold on international stages.

By 2014, Gaby was playing in the Sasol League for the JVW Blue Diamonds, then the First Team. Week after week, she traveled to Johannesburg to represent the club, balancing her academy lifestyle and club football. Despite the distance and demands, Gaby’s commitment never wavered.

In 2019, Gaby played an instrumental role in helping the Blue Diamonds secure the Sasol League National Championship, a major milestone for both her and the club. Her creativity, sharp technical ability, and leadership on the pitch made her a standout throughout the campaign.

When the Hollywoodbets Super League campaign started for JVW in 2021, Gaby was once again at the heart of the Blue Diamonds, making sure that her efforts were never unnoticed.

However, her journey has not been without heartbreak. In 2022, just three days before joining the Banyana Banyana camp for the WAFCON tournament, Gaby suffered a broken collarbone in a match against Bloemfontein Celtic; a devastating blow that ruled her out of the competition. It was a crushing setback, but one that only fueled her comeback.

True to form, Gaby returned to fitness and was named in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, representing South Africa in New Zealand and Australia, and in a historic campaign, Banyana Banyana made it to the Round of 16—a moment of national pride, and a milestone Gaby helped make possible.

Today, Gabriela Salgado is more than just a footballer. She’s a symbol of persistence, growth, and the power of dreams nurtured through structure and support. Whether it’s her trademark bun or her signature left-footed precision, young players across the country know her name, not just for what she does on the field, but for what she represents off of it.

From her early sessions with Janine van Wyk to the world’s biggest stage, Gaby’s path is a testament to the importance of opportunity, mentorship, and hard work. Her journey is proudly etched into the DNA of JVW Football Club.

Her story lives here.