The New Marta? OL Lyonnes Sign Promising Brazilian Talent

Sixteen-year-old Giovanna Waksman joins the French champions from Florida, where she caught attention with an impressive run of performances. The young Brazilian talent has signed a contract with the club until 2028.

The 16-year-old arrives from FC Florida in the United States, where she produced remarkable numbers, 133 goals in 35 matches, and was named Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season. Waksman began her development in Brazil, playing for youth teams such as Sogima, Fluminense and Botafogo, before relocating to the United States in 2022 to continue both her education and football development.

Despite her young age, she already succeeded in big tournaments. Waksman has already stood out with Brazil’s youth national teams, winning the 2024 South American U17 Championship, earning the tournament’s best-player award, and scoring goals at the U17 World Cup.

Currently recovering from an injury, Waksman will complete her rehabilitation in Lyon before joining the squad.