Another honour to add to her trophy cabinet, one with a special significance and a completely different meaning from the titles she earned on the pitch. On February 26, during a private meeting at the Quirinale, Sara Gama was named Cavaliere della Repubblica (Knight of the Republic) by President Sergio Mattarella. This distinction, the first rank of Italy’s highest order of chivalry, is awarded by the Head of State to Italians or foreigners who have excelled in their field.7

This honour recognises Gama’s dedication, both on and off the field, to advancing women’s football. As captain of the national team and vice president of the Italian Footballers’ Association, she has shaped some of the most important moments in recent Italian football history, brought attention to the women’s game, become a role model for countless young girls, and fought for players’ rights, achievements that helped make the top women’s league fully professional.

“It’s been a few days since this extraordinary meeting,” Gama wrote on Instagram. “It’s given me time to reflect on the incredible honour I received, but also on what’s happening in the world, where celebrating the beautiful moments in life often feels secondary in the face of serious events. Today, I want to take a moment to give thanks: I am happy, honored, and deeply moved to have been awarded the Cavaliere della Repubblica by the Head of State. The greatest gift for me, however, was having the chance to speak with this extraordinary person, our guide and beacon, now more than ever, who supports and inspires us with a sensitivity and care that are hard to put into words. Thank you, President.”