Vanessa Gilles

Vanessa Gilles is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for Bayern Munich and the Canada women’s national team.

Vanessa Gilles is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for Bayern Munich and the Canada women’s national team. Born in Châteauguay, Quebec, and raised in Ottawa, she has represented Canada at the Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. Her Olympic gold medal made her a notable figure in Canadian women’s sport.

Early life and education

Vanessa Gilles was born in Châteauguay, Quebec, and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. She initially played tennis before switching to soccer as a teenager. She later played college soccer at the University of Cincinnati.

Club career

Gilles began her professional career in Cyprus with Apollon Ladies. She then moved to France to play for Bordeaux in Ligue 1. In 2021, she joined Angel City FC. She later played on loan for Lyon. In 2025, she joined Bayern Munich on a permanent transfer.

International career

Gilles made her senior debut for the Canada women's national team in 2019. She was part of the team that won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She also represented Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Honours and recognition

Gilles' honours include an Olympic gold medal from Tokyo 2020. She was named Canada Soccer Player of the Year in 2024. Additionally, Canada Soccer and the City of Ottawa have acknowledged her achievements.