Gabriella Zahra a long standing member of the MFA’s Women’s National team has officially brought her distinguished international career to an end, closing a remarkable chapter that spanned more than a decade and earned her 61 caps for Malta.
The Birkirkara FC midfielder described by many as a true servant of Maltese football made her debut with the red Malta jersey in 2009 during a UEFA Mini Tournament against Latvia, marking the start of an inspiring journey with Malta. Since then, Zahra has been a constant presence in the national setup, representing her country with passion, discipline, and pride.
Her 61st and final appearance came in last Saturday’s international friendly against Belarus, where she fittingly wore the captain’s armband in the closing minutes — a symbolic moment that reflected her leadership and long-standing commitment to Maltese football. Zahra used to play played for Malta usually in defense both as a right or left back but had occasionally also featured as a center back when needed and also as a midfielder
Over the years, Zahra contributed not only through her skill on the pitch but also through her experience and consistency in key tournaments. She was part of several historic milestones for the women’s national team, including the 2013 World Cup qualifiers and both UEFA Women’s Nations League campaigns, the latter of which saw Malta achieve promotion to League B — a landmark moment in the country’s football history.
Zahra also found the back of the net once for her nation, but her true legacy lies in her enduring dedication and influence on and off the field.
As she steps away from international football, Gabriella Zahra leaves behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and pride — inspiring a new generation of Maltese players to follow in her footsteps.
