Banyana star Gabriela Salgado breaks silence on horrific leg injury

Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado has broken her silence after suffering a severe leg injury on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, during South Africa’s 2024 WAFCON semi-final clash against the eventual champions, Nigeria.

The injury occurred as Banyana faced a 2-1 defeat to the Super Falcons at Stade Larbi Zaouli Stadium, a loss that ended South Africa’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title.

Salgado sustained a fracture to the mid-shaft of her left leg, an injury that will unfortunately sideline her for the entire year. She successfully underwent surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, last Wednesday.

The 27-year-old expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received since her injury.

“Overwhelmed with gratitude. I just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, support, and prayers since my injury,” Salgado shared on her official instagram page.

 

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A post shared by Gabriela Salgado (@gabriela_salgado9)

“It has been an emotional few days, but I truly feel held by the kindness around me. To my family, friends and teammates back home, your messages and calls have kept my spirit strong. Thank you for standing by me.”

She also extended her thanks to her Banyana Banyana teammates and staff: “To my Banyana family, from the team manager, doctors, physio, coaches, and to every single player, thank you for the exceptional care, support, and love you have shown me. You made me feel safe, seen, and truly cared for.”

Salgado acknowledged the sportsmanship shown by other nations, stating, “To the teams from Nigeria, Ghana and CAF, your kindness and concern did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your sportsmanship and support.”

Finally, she expressed appreciation for her medical care: “To the amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, thank you for taking such good care of me. I am truly grateful.”

“I am still processing everything and recovering, but I will respond to messages and check-ins as soon as I can. Just know that I feel every bit of love sent my way,” Salgado concluded.

Banyana Banyana players and staff visited star Gabriela Salgado at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, following her successful operation on Wednesday. Nigeria’s Super Falcons also visited Salgado after her injury on Tuesday.#LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/UqjPSqvrkQ

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 24, 2025

Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana also missed out on the bronze medal, losing 4-3 to Ghana on penalties in the third-place playoff at Stade Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday night, after the game ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time.