Julia Grosso is one of Canada’s most talented soccer players. Known for calm passing, smart movement, and strong control, she has grown from a Vancouver youngster into an Olympic champion and professional midfielder. Her career has included youth soccer in Canada, college competition in the United States, success in Italy, and a major role in the National Women’s Soccer League. Her most famous moment came at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where she scored the winning penalty against Sweden. That kick gave Canada its first Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer. Her journey reflects discipline, family support, and years of steady work.
Who Is Julia Grosso?
Julia Angela Grosso is a Canadian professional soccer player who represents Chicago Stars FC and the Canada women’s national team. She was born on 29 August 2000 in Vancouver, British Columbia. As of July 2026, she is 25 years old and will turn 26 in August. She stands about 1.71 metres tall and usually wears the number 7 shirt for club and country. Her game is based on intelligent passing, close control, balance, and the ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas. Although she is mainly a central midfielder, she can also play in wider positions or take a deeper role.
Julia Grosso’s Early Life and Family
Parents and Heritage
Julia was raised in Vancouver by her parents, Carlos Grosso and Elisa Grosso. Her father was born in Loulé, Portugal, while her mother was born in Vancouver and has Italian family roots. Julia therefore has Portuguese and Italian heritage. Her parents supported her commitment to soccer from an early age. She also has a sister named Carli Grosso, who played competitive soccer and joined the Vancouver Whitecaps development pathway.
Childhood and Education
Julia began playing at the age of four through an Italian Canadian soccer programme in Vancouver. She also took part in swimming, but soccer soon became her main passion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of her childhood sporting heroes. She attended Vancouver Technical Secondary School and later Burnaby Central Secondary School. Her development came mainly through elite programmes, including the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite system.
University Studies
Julia later studied sport management at the University of Texas at Austin while playing NCAA Division I soccer.
Julia Grosso’s Youth Career
Julia entered Canada’s youth system when she was 13. She helped Canada win the 2014 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship and later represented the country at under-17 and under-20 level. At the 2016 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, she played in midfield and defence. Her performances earned praise for vision, anticipation, and one-on-one ability. By her late teenage years, she was viewed as one of Canada’s leading prospects.
College Career at Texas
Success with the Longhorns
In 2018, Julia joined the University of Texas and played for the Texas Longhorns. She made 60 college appearances and scored 21 goals. Her first season brought immediate recognition. She was named Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year and earned a place on the conference’s All-Freshman Team. Her second season was even stronger. She scored eight goals, provided eight assists, and gained All-American recognition. She showed that she could create chances, score from midfield, and control the pace of a match.
Olympic History at Texas
Julia became the first Texas women’s soccer player to compete at the Olympic Games and the programme’s first Olympic medallist.
Julia Grosso and Canada
Julia made her senior Canada debut against the United States on 12 November 2017 at the age of 17. She has since represented Canada at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and major Concacaf competitions.
The Winning Olympic Penalty
Her defining moment came on 6 August 2021 in the Tokyo Olympic final. Canada and Sweden finished level after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Julia took Canada’s sixth penalty and scored the decisive kick. The goal secured a 3–2 shootout win and delivered Canada’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer. She was only 20 at the time, and her celebration became one of the most memorable scenes in Canadian sport.
Concacaf Golden Boot
In 2022, Julia scored three goals at the Concacaf W Championship and finished as the tournament’s leading scorer. Her goals helped Canada qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She was also chosen for the competition’s Best XI.
Professional Career with Juventus
Move to Italy
Julia signed for Juventus Women in December 2021. The move allowed her to compete in a professional European league and play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her passing, tactical awareness, and ability to keep possession suited Italian soccer well.
Trophies and Recognition
During her time in Turin, she made 76 appearances and scored 10 goals in all competitions. She helped Juventus win Serie A, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Italian Super Cups. Her 2022–23 season was especially impressive. She was named Serie A’s Best Midfielder and was selected for the league’s Team of the Year.
Julia Grosso at Chicago Stars FC
Julia Grosso joined Chicago in July 2024 after leaving Juventus. The club was then known as the Chicago Red Stars and later became Chicago Stars FC. She made ten starts during her first partial season. In 2025, she played 24 matches, scored two goals, and provided three assists. She also led Chicago in chances created and passes into the attacking third. Her performances earned her a new contract running through the 2028 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Julia is a left-footed midfielder who values control and intelligent movement. She is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and can connect defence with attack. Her strengths include accurate passing, close control, vision, composure, and useful movement. She can create chances, score from midfield, and handle high-pressure moments.
Julia Grosso Jeremy Peña
Julia Grosso is engaged to Jeremy Peña, a professional baseball player for the Houston Astros. The couple announced their engagement on 12 December 2025 through a joint social media post from St. Lucia. The caption, “A lifetime with you,” confirmed their plans to marry. Jeremy proposed during a beach trip. Julia is not publicly confirmed as married as of July 2026. Jeremy should therefore be described as her fiancé, not her husband. Comments calling her “Mrs. Peña” are affectionate references to their future marriage.
Social Media and Brand Work
Julia Grosso uses the Instagram name @juliagrosso7. Her account has more than 500,000 followers and includes soccer updates, travel pictures, and personal posts. Her bio mentions Puma, Team AV Sports, and Chicago Stars FC.
Julia Grosso’s Achievements
Her honours include Olympic gold with Canada, domestic trophies with Juventus, a Concacaf Golden Boot, Serie A Best Midfielder recognition, and a Team of the Year place. At 25, she still has important seasons ahead. Her contract with Chicago runs through 2028, and she remains a key member of Canada’s midfield.
Final Thoughts on Julia Grosso
Julia Grosso represents the modern Canadian soccer player: technical, confident, disciplined, and ready to compete anywhere in the world. Her path from Vancouver youth soccer to Olympic glory shows what steady development can achieve. She has won major trophies, performed on the world stage, and built a strong professional career. With her calm personality and reliable midfield play, she continues to inspire young athletes across Canada. Whatever comes next, her place in Canadian soccer history is secure.