Gabriela Salgado Injury Update
Gabriela Salgado, star midfielder for South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, suffered a serious leg injury in the 84th minute of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal against Nigeria on July 22, 2025. After challenging for a lofted ball in the Nigerian box, Salgado’s leg was caught awkwardly on landing, resulting in distress and immediate calls for medical assistance.
She was stretchered off the field and rushed to a Casablanca hospital for assessment and management. As of now, the full medical evaluation is pending, but the visible reactions from her teammates and coaching staff indicate the injury is severe.
The match, which had been tied, quickly shifted momentum after Salgado left the pitch, and South Africa ultimately lost 2-1 to Nigeria. Team doctor Thulani Ngwenya confirmed the seriousness of the injury and emphasized that further updates would be provided after more definitive medical investigations.
What Happened to Gabriela Salgado?
Salgado’s injury is described as a “serious leg injury,” with medical staff and officials awaiting full diagnostic results from the hospital at the time of the latest update. The injury was witnessed as traumatic by both teams, requiring her to be stretchered off with a heavily strapped leg.
How Did the Injury to Gabriela Salgado Happen?
Gabriela Salgado’s injury occurred as she rose to challenge for a high ball in the box and was caught by a Nigerian defender while landing. Her foot stayed planted in the turf as her body momentum shifted, causing her leg to give way. Teammates and opponents recoiled in shock and distress at the sight, with swift medical intervention on the field and her subsequent hospital transfer.
Who Is Gabriela Salgado?
Gabriela de Jesus Thomas Salgado, born February 20, 1998, is a South African footballer who plays as a midfielder for SAFA Women’s League club JVW FC and the South Africa women’s national team, Banyana Banyana. Raised in Johannesburg, Salgado is known for her technical skills, work rate, and versatility on the field.
She made her senior national team debut in 2022 and was part of South Africa’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Salgado has Portuguese and Lebanese heritage and is widely regarded as a rising star in African women’s football.
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FAQs
What is the latest on Gabriela Salgado’s injury?
She suffered a severe leg injury during the WAFCON semifinal and was taken to hospital for evaluation; the extent of the injury is still awaiting full assessment.
How did the injury happen?
Salgado landed awkwardly after contesting a high ball, resulting in her leg becoming caught and causing a serious injury.
How did Banyana Banyana react?
The injury left players and coaching staff visibly distraught, impacting performance in the crucial closing minutes of the match.