• An exclusive conversation with Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi, football’s rising star of Sri Lankan origin

Jacynta Prema de Nieva Galabadaarachchi is a young, outstanding football player of Sri Lankan origin born in 2001. She is a former player of the Celtics, the club that won the Scottish Women’s Premier League title this year. Galabadaarachchi is also an Australian professional footballer who previously played as a forward for the Australian under-20 national team. Before moving to Celtic, she played as a forward for Melbourne City, Perth Glory, West Ham United, and Napoli. Many believe that she is the most valuable female athlete of Sri Lankan origin. 

The Daily Morning Sports was fortunate enough to have a chat with her during her recent trip to Sri Lanka. 

Below are excerpts from the conversation. 

Is this your first visit to Sri Lanka?

No, I first came here when I was little. I think this is the fifth or sixth visit. My father’s family members are here, so we would visit often; but this time we are visiting after a lapse of about five years.

Is your father from Kalutara?

Yes, Kalutara. I like my father’s relatives. I like their characters and the food they prepare. A few days in the environment there and the sea give me a very different experience from my usual routine. My father’s parents are there, and it is always a great pleasure to meet them after a long time. They love me so much and treat me well.

Do they know you are a football player?

Yes, but they don’t know much. They think playing this game is crazy, and a woman playing this game is crazier. But they are very proud of me.

How did you get into football?

I started playing football after watching my brother play. I have been watching him play since he was about eight years old; that’s how I got into the game.

If you weren’t a footballer who would you have become?

It is a difficult question. I wanted to be a professional football player ever since I was five years old. But I also love animals and studying them in general. Maybe if I weren’t a soccer player, I’d be a vet or a lawyer.

Who is your favourite football player?

Definitely Messi. I like Lionel Messi and (Diego) Maradona too. But I love Lionel Messi the most.

And your favourite female football player?

I love Marta da Silva from Brazil. Her style of play and competitiveness are very attractive.

Have you ever met Messi in person?

No, I have not met him. But I have watched a few matches he played.

You started your career as a young player in Australia and then made it to the professional/international level. You were drawn to European football. What are the main contrasts in the way the game is played in the two regions?

Football is generally not very popular in Australia. Footy (or AFL) is popular in Australia. Football is still developing in Australia, especially women’s football. European football is at a slightly higher level. The “Matildas” (Australian National women’s football team) are progressing well now. 

Have you heard of football in Sri Lanka? 

I know there are football fans in Sri Lanka. And even though my father didn’t play football, he used to watch Maradona when he played. It is unfortunate that there is a ban on the current football association in Sri Lanka.

Do you watch cricket?

No, but my father watches cricket like crazy. He never misses Sri Lanka’s matches.

Do you know any Sri Lankan cricketers?

Sangakkara – Kumar Sangakkara is the only name I know.

You are the most valuable player of Sri Lankan origin that we have. Were you aware of it?

No, I actually didn’t know about it. But when I went to Kalutara, one of my relatives and uncles showed me a newspaper article; that’s when I came to know that Sri Lanka was paying attention to me. I initially didn’t think so because I am outside Sri Lanka, but I now feel that they are watching over me.

Do you like your last name?

“Galabadaarachchi” – yes, I like my name very much. The name is a bit long, but I like it a lot. Most commentators find it hard to pronounce. And there is not even a little space left above my jersey number. Most often, the name “Gala” is used.

How is your vacation going?

It has been great. I asked my father to bring me here; so, it has been a very happy time.

What are your favourite Sri Lankan dishes?

Dhal curry, roti, and pappadam are my favourites.

What are your favourite places to visit?

I love to walk on the beaches of Kalutara and Galle in Sri Lanka.

Social media continued to report that you shifted to Europe with the intention of playing for Argentina. Is there any truth to it?

I played in Australia’s age group national teams. After that, I got a little less opportunity there. With that, I came to Europe. Both my favourite player and my mother come from Argentina. So, I would like to play for Argentina and I want to work towards it. 

You recently won a couple of awards. What were they?

I never thought I would win these awards, but I was nominated on several occasions. I won the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, given by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) of Scotland, and the Celtic Female Footballer of the Year award.

Can you tell us something about Celtic?

Celtic has been a defining club in my life. Playing for Celtic can be called a turning point in my football career. The audience there is the best I have ever seen.

What is an unforgettable moment in your life? 

Talking about football, when I was 17 years old, I left my mother and family to play for West Ham. It was a day I will never forget. It was a turning point in my life.

What is the most memorable match of your life? 

I can’t forget playing in the finals and winning for Celtic as well as the first game I played for West Ham. I came in from the bench in that match. I will never forget it.

What is your ultimate goal? 

My goal is to score at least one goal for my most beloved club, Barcelona. I became a fan of the club mainly because of Messi. And above all, I would love to someday clinch the Ballon d’Or award. It would mean a lot to me.

Finally, do you have anything to say to the Sri Lankan audience who love you?

Thank you very much to everyone who searched for Galabadaarachchi. Also, if I am here, it is because of the dedication of my mother and father, and I am a part of Sri Lanka because of my father. I love everyone here.