Julia Grosso Bio
Julia Angela Grosso (born August 29, 2000) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Chicago Stars FC and the Canada women’s national team. She attained international prominence after scoring the title-winning penalty kick at the 2020 Summer Olympics, leading Canada to its first gold medal. Grosso has established herself as a key player in women’s soccer, known for her creativity and technique on the field.
Early Life and Background
Julia Angela Grosso was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a diverse heritage, being of Portuguese descent through her father and Italian descent through her mother. Grosso attended Burnaby Central Secondary School, where she played soccer with the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite team. During her time at school, she developed a close friendship with future national teammate Jordyn Huitema. Her sister, Carli, was also involved in the Vancouver Whitecaps system, indicating a strong family connection to soccer. After high school, Grosso made her college debut for the Texas Longhorns on August 17, 2018, in a match against the Rice Owls.
Path to Soccer
Julia Grosso signed with TSS FC Rovers of the Women’s Premier Soccer League for the 2018 season, marking the beginning of her professional career. Her early experiences in youth soccer and her college career at the Texas Longhorns provided her with a solid foundation for her future in the sport. In December 2021, Grosso signed with Juventus, returning to Italy, where she debuted on January 16, 2022. During her first season with Juventus, the team achieved a domestic treble, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Julia Grosso Career
Early Career (2018-2021)
Julia Grosso’s professional career began with TSS FC Rovers in 2018. She quickly made a name for herself, showcasing her skills and determination on the field. After a successful stint in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, she transitioned to the collegiate level with the Texas Longhorns, where she continued to develop her game. In 2021, she signed with Juventus, which marked a significant step in her career.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
Grosso’s breakthrough moment came during the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she scored the decisive penalty kick in the final against Sweden, securing Canada’s first gold medal in women’s soccer. This achievement catapulted her into the spotlight and established her as a rising star in the sport. In the following years, she continued to excel, scoring multiple goals during the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship and earning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Notable Works and Milestones
Julia Grosso is recognized for her signature work at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where her penalty kick secured a historic gold medal for Canada. She has also received accolades for her performance in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, where she was named to the tournament’s Best XI.
Julia Grosso Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Julia Grosso has received several nominations for her outstanding performances on the field, particularly during international competitions.
Julia Grosso Awards Won
Julia Grosso has achieved notable recognition, including an Olympic Gold Medal in 2021 and the Golden Boot at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship. These awards highlight her contributions to the sport and her status as a leading player in women’s soccer.
Julia Grosso Family
Julia Grosso is engaged to Major League Baseball player Jeremy Peña. Their relationship has garnered attention, particularly as they share a passion for sports.
Personal Life
Julia Grosso has been in a relationship with Jeremy Peña since December 2024, and they became engaged in December 2025. Their engagement marks a significant milestone in her personal life, complementing her professional achievements.
