The ball falls to her feet, just outside the box, and she does not hesitate. She brings it under control with a single touch, makes a quick adjustment and then fires the ball into the top corner with a powerful right-footed shot. For a moment, time seems to stand still as the goalkeeper dives for the ball. The net ripples, and Gaby Garcia flings her arms wide to celebrate with her team-mates.
In less than six months since she arrived from the Spanish leagues, the Venezuelan has brought composure, intelligence and some stunning goals to Club America, establishing herself as a nailed-on starter for the side. “I try to bring a sense of calm and ‘put out fires’ when there’s a lot of back and forth in a match,” she said in an interview with FIFA ahead of three crucial matches for the Vinotinto.
From the midfield of one of the clubs vying for the title in the Liga MX Femenil, Garcia dreams of playing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, a feat that Venezuela has never achieved before. Now though, after a promising start in the qualifiers under Ricardo Belli’s guidance, this dream is almost within reach.
With Garcia at the heart of the midfield, Venezuela sit undefeated at the top of the standings in the CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League, having conceded just a single goal over four matches, a success she attributes to the identity imposed by Brazilian coach Belli since he joined the team in February last year. “We are developing our own style of play and that has shone through in the qualifiers,” she commented, reflecting on her team’s strong start.
However, the big test will come in the next three matchdays, with Venezuela set to face Colombia in Cali, before hosting Argentina and Bolivia. “We’re really looking forward to the April fixtures and to try and secure the qualification that we’ve longed for and fought for over so many years. We’re only one step away.”
The 29-year-old midfielder also spoke of her first few months in the Liga MX Femenil and discussed the current state of a national side, with plenty of reasons for optimism.
Gaby Garcia: The team is understanding it better and better. We have team-mates from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Nigeria and, including myself, Venezuela, and we aim to complement each other. It’s been relatively easy for me because they have helped a lot and we have top-quality players like Irene Guerrero, Sandra Panos and Geyse Ferreira with experience at some really great clubs. Learning from them and sharing my experience can only be a positive.
Yes, I believe so. I try to see what every coach wants from me and what I can contribute. When I started I played further forward as a striker or winger, then as a midfielder. At Atletico Madrid I played as a pivot and arrived here in that role. This versatility is what allowed me to spend so much time in Spain and make some big leaps forward in my career.
Playing as a pivot is a bit more challenging for me because I don’t get so far forward, but I’ve adapted and I get more contact with the ball which allows me to have more clarity in build-up play. Previously, as a midfielder, I enjoyed end-to-end play and getting into the box more. It’s different with the national team though. There, I play a bit more freely, almost as a No10 or a false nine. Here at America, I try to do my job but still get forward when I can.
Belief. He has given us ambition. Previously, we had talented players but we didn’t have the shared goal that we could achieve big things and establish a clear identity in our game. Something has now clicked and we are ready to compete with any nation. We now enjoy the day-to-day. Before, we didn’t have that joy in training and it showed through on the field.
It’s a huge responsibility I have received from my country. I try to stay calm and lead by example. I want my team-mates to feel confident communicating with me freely, regardless of who is wearing the armband. My goal is to set the standards in training and give my all so everyone else follows suit.
Our togetherness. There have been some great generations, but now we have a mix of players with plenty of experience and young players coming to us with lots of energy. The group stays united both on and off the pitch. We enjoy being together so the international fixtures often fly by. There’s a very healthy level of competition between us.
The mentality of working day in, day out to prepare for consistently tough games. At Club America, we always play to win and compete for everything. I want to bring this to the Venezuelan team, so that we compete the same way in every training session and match, friendly or not, to earn a spot in the starting XI or the next call-up.
It would be the most amazing thing. Qualifying for the World Cup is the reason we work so hard. We have a great team to fight for it. It would also be a massive step forward. Girls in Venezuela would be inspired to dream and women’s football may receive more support, perhaps with a competitive league like the one we used to have.
