Camille Abily

Abily began her football career in 1992 when she was six. Her older brother played for FC Bruz and Abily, brought along to watch him play, was asked to train with the boys team after being spotted on the sidelines. Across her youth career, she played for Jeanne d'Arc Bruz, FC Bruz, and SC Le Rheu.

CNFE Clairefontaine, 2001–05

Between 2001 and 2005, Abily attended the Clairefontaine academy. A member of the girl's residential programme, she completed her academic studies at a nearby high school while training at the academy.

Early career, 2000–03

Abily began her professional career in France's first division, playing for Stade Briochin and La Roche-sur-Yon.

Montpellier, 2003–06

After her stint at Clairefontaine, Abily signed with Montpellier. With Montpellier, Abily won two Division 1 Féminine league titles in 2004 and 2005, as well as one Challenge de France cup.

Lyon, 2006–09

After three seasons with Montpellier, Abily joined Lyon. With the team, she won several titles, including three consecutive titles league from 2006 to 2009. She was selected as the UNFP Female Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

Los Angeles Sol, 2009–10

In 2008, Abily was selected by the Los Angeles Sol in the 2008 WPS International Draft, and, in March 2009, joined the new United States–based Women's Professional Soccer league. General manager Charlie Naimo sought to bring Abily to the Sol having seen a video of her play. She made her debut in the league's inaugural match against the Washington Freedom, and scored the second goal in the Sol's 2–0 victory. The Sol topped the regular-season league table, but were defeated by Sky Blue FC in the Championship final. Abily was the second highest goalscorer in the 2009 league season, scoring eight times to Sol teammate Marta's nine.

Loan to Paris Saint-Germain, 2009–10

Following the conclusion of the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season, Abily returned to France where she played for Paris Saint-Germain on loan.

FC…

Youth: –2001

Prior to playing for the senior team, Abily played at youth level representing France's under-18 team at the 2001 Women's Under-18 Euro.

Senior: 2001–17

2001–05: Senior and major tournament debut

On 26 September 2001, Abily—age 16—made her senior debut for France during a friendly match against the Netherlands. Her major international tournament debut came at the 2005 Euro, where France were eliminated in the group stage.

2007–09: Debut goal and 2009 Euro

Abily's debut senior international goal came on 28 February 2007, as France secured a 2–0 win over China PR. On 11 April 2007, Abily scored a hat-trick in France's 6–0 2009 Euro qualifying victory over Greece. She scored again in qualifying wins over Serbia and Slovenia. Abily represented France at the 2009 Euro. Abily scored twice in the competition's group stage: an 18th-minute penalty in France's opening match against Iceland, and the equaliser in a 1–1 draw to Norway. In the quarter-finals, France were eliminated by the Netherlands following a 5–4 penalty shootout loss.

2010–11: 2011 World Cup

During qualification for the 2011 World Cup, Abily scored five times, including during France's 12–0 win over Estonia. On 6 June 2011, Abily was named to France's tournament squad for the World Cup. France proceeded to their first-ever semi-final appearance at a Women's World Cup after beating England 4–3 in a penalty shootout. Abily, France's first penalty taker,…

Camille Anne Françoise Abily was born on 5 December 1984 in Rennes, a city in the region of Brittany, France. She has a sister, Hélène, who is a nurse, and an older brother, Julien.