The Senda Podcast – Episode 4: Camila Gómez Ares
A conversation with Argentine professional fútbol player, Camila Gómez Ares. From her earliest days playing alongside boys to competing at the highest level and representing Argentina on the world stage, and navigating motherhood along the way.
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The Senda Podcast: where fútbol meets real stories. A conversation with Camila Gómez Ares — hosted by Santiago Halty, Founder & CEO at Senda.
A Journey That Started with Pure Love for the Game
Camila’s story begins like many great fútbol stories do: playing for fun. Growing up in Argentina, she found her way into the game through her brother, joining small-sided matches and insisting on playing despite a system that, at the time, offered little space for girls in soccer.
What stands out most from these early years is not just her talent, but her determination. Playing in boys’ teams wasn’t always easy—especially when facing external criticism—but it helped shape her competitive edge and technical foundation.
Her message is clear: sometimes the path isn’t built for you—you build it yourself.
Breaking Barriers & Facing Prejudice
One of the themes of the episode is the reality Camila faced as a young girl in a male-dominated environment.
While her teammates often accepted her naturally, much of the resistance came from adults—coaches and parents—who questioned her presence on the field. Comments like “How can a girl take the ball from you?” were common.
Yet, instead of discouraging her, these moments became fuel.
“It always came from an adult, never from a child.”
This perspective highlights not only her resilience but also how much the game—and society—has evolved since her beginnings.
From Neighborhood Fields to Elite Soccer
Camila’s transition from local small-sided soccer to elite clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors happened quickly—and almost unexpectedly.
At just 13 years old, she was already training with first-division players, adapting to a completely new level of professionalism. Soon after, she was called up to the Argentina national team.
Looking back, she reflects on how fast everything happened—so fast that she didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of it at the time.
Her journey reminds us that growth often happens before we even realize it.
Setbacks, Injuries & Mental Strength
Behind every successful career are moments that test everything—and for Camila, injuries were a defining chapter.
After suffering two ACL injuries—one shortly after returning from the first—she faced a crossroads that many athletes know too well: continue or walk away.
Instead of giving up, she chose to fight.
What’s most powerful is her reflection today:
She wouldn’t change what happened.
Those setbacks shaped her mindset, her discipline, and ultimately the player and person she became. It’s a raw and honest reminder that adversity is often part of the process—not a detour from it.
Motherhood & the Next Challenge
Another central theme of this episode is her return to elite soccer after becoming a mother.
Today, when asked “Who is Camila?”, her answer begins not with soccer, but with motherhood.
Balancing both roles is her newest challenge, one that requires a different kind of strength, patience, and perspective.
“I’m just trying to be the best mother and the best soccer player.”
This stage of her journey adds a powerful new dimension to the conversation—one that goes beyond sport and speaks to identity, growth, and redefining priorities —and now also preparing to welcome her second child.
Key Takeaways from Episode 4
- Passion comes first: Camila’s journey started with pure love for the game.
- Barriers can be broken: She challenged norms in a system that wasn’t built for her.
- Growth isn’t always linear: Rapid success came with unexpected challenges.
- Resilience defines greatness: Injuries became a turning point, not an ending.
- Life evolves beyond sport: Motherhood has reshaped her perspective and purpose.
Watch & Listen
Don’t miss the conversation with Camila Gómez Ares on The Senda Podcast. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone chasing a dream, this episode is full of perspective, honesty, and inspiration.
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