Season
30 May 2026
At just 16 years old, Giovanna Waksman Costa is already considered one of the brightest prospects in world soccer. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she began playing soccer at the age of six, first at school and then with a local club to further her development. Quickly moving up to higher age groups, she continued her training in Brazil, where she played on a boys’ team.
In 2022, Giovanna moved to Florida to join a private academy. Playing for her high school team, FC Florida Prep, the young midfielder quickly distinguished herself by being particularly decisive in front of goal. Her performances earned her the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season. In the United States, the Brazilian also trained with the Washington Spirit professional team, finalists in the National Women’s Soccer League last season, alongside players such as Trinity Rodman and Aubrey Kingsbury.
Born in 2009, Giovanna quickly rose through the ranks of Brazil’s youth teams, joining the U17 squad in 2024. That same year, she won the South American U17 Championship and was named the tournament’s best player with five goals. The following year, Giovanna participated in her second U17 World Cup, scoring her first goal in Brazil’s opening match against Morocco. In total, the midfielder scored three goals and finished fourth in the competition with her teammates, a first for the Brazilian women’s team.
The club is delighted that Giovanna has chosen the OL Lyonnes project to continue her development. Currently injured, the Brazilian will undergo her rehabilitation in Lyon. The club will do everything possible to support her until her return to the pitch in the coming months.
