Congolese-Born Grace Geyoro Sets Record in Women’s Football Deal

Grace Geyoro’s name shines bright in women’s football. She was born in Kolwezi, a mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Today, she holds the world record for the highest transfer fee in women’s football after moving to London City Lionesses for about €1.65 million (£1.43 m). This blog tells her journey and her pride in her Congolese roots.

A childhood far from home

Grace was born on 2 July 1997. When she was about two years old, her family moved to France. Even though she grew up in Europe, she always stayed proud of being Congolese. She was a protected child who had to leave home at thirteen to attend the Clairefontaine national football centre. Living at the boarding school was hard. She remembers that she arrived there with girls she did not know and had to take care of herself. In her words, going to boarding school “makes you grow up fast. You have no choice.”

In Orléans, the city where she grew up, there were very few girls playing football. She trained with boys and had to show great strength. “It was not easy,” she explained. “When I was a little girl there were not all of the things you have now for the development of women’s football. I was just passionate … I just believed I could succeed by being a girl who wanted to play football”. Grace had no female football heroes and has since created a comic book to give young girls the role model she never had

Building a career in France

Grace discovered her love for football in France. She joined Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) at fifteen and made her senior debut at seventeen. Over the next decade, she became the heart of PSG’s midfield. The club says she made over 175 appearances and captained the side, while other reports note that she played nearly 270 matches and scored 54 goals. She helped PSG win their first French championship in 2021 and was voted the Best Young Player of the French league in 2016‑17.

Grace also became a pillar of the French national team, earning more than 100 caps and scoring over 22 goals. She scored a memorable hat‑trick at Euro 2022 and is now one of the team’s leaders. At the same time, she never forgot her birth country. She said proudly: “I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I’ve always wanted to do something for the development of women’s soccer there, but also for the development of women”. She has spoken about the importance of diversity and being proud when she wears the French jersey

Breaking records with London City Lionesses

On 5 September 2025, the world was abuzz with big news: London City Lionesses had signed Grace Geyoro from PSG. Reports say the club paid a world‑record fee of £1.43 m (€1.65 m). She became only the third woman to break the £1 million barrier. London City is a young team with big ambitions. Their owner, Michele Kang, has invested heavily, and Grace’s signing shows they want to compete at the highest level

For Grace, this move is special. It is her first time playing for a club outside France. She will be reunited with coach Jocelyn Prêcheur, who managed PSG and now leads the Lionesses. PSG thanked her for her years of service, calling her a player who left an indelible mark on the club. Grace said she is excited for the new challenge and ready to write a new chapter in England.

Why her story matters to Congo and Africa

Grace Geyoro’s story is bigger than football. She shows that a girl born in Kolwezi can reach the top of world sport. She had to leave home, train with boys, and fight for a place in a male‑dominated sport. She never forgot where she came from and dreams of helping women in Congo to play and succeed.

Her world‑record transfer proves that African talent can command respect and value on the global stage. It gives hope to every young Congolese girl who kicks a ball on dusty ground or watches games on television.

Grace also reminds us that success should be shared. In interviews, she often talks about leaving a legacy rather than personal glory.

She wants to be remembered for what she represents: a pioneer who opens doors for others. That dream now shines even brighter. As she begins her adventure with the Lionesses, Congolese and African fans should stand tall. Her journey shows that our girls can excel, whether in Europe or at home. When Grace runs onto the pitch in London, she will carry our flag in her heart. Let us celebrate her and use her success to inspire a new generation of Congolese girls to chase their own dreams.