Habeebat Gbajabiamila: Being one of the youngest squad members, family inspirations, and winning the double | OneFootball

Habeebat Gbajabiamila was one of the youngest squad members in Brentford Women’s historic league and cup double in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 18-year-old forward discussed settling into a team characterised by their winning mentality, her first football memories, and playing at Gtech Community Stadium.

Gbajabiamila joined the Bees in the summer of 2024, and has navigated her first season in red and white whilst also studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Business.

“It was hard settling in at first because I’m naturally just a shy person, but the girls were great and really understanding, and it became a lot easier over time,” said Gbajabiamila.

“Coming into a team with a strong winning mentality set the tone from the beginning, having the standards being high all the time and being surrounded by players who know what it takes to win.

“Being in that environment made me strive to be better and raise my game every day, and it really helped build my confidence on and off the pitch.”

Known for her electric pace and excellent ability to beat her defender, Gbajabiamila scored twice for the west Londoners in a campaign that saw them win 21 out of 22 league games to earn promotion to Tier 5.

“Both my coaches and teammates helped me to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how you react to them that’s important,” said the young forward.

“My goal for next season is to be able to contribute more in games; getting more goals and assists but also being part of the build-up play more decisively.”

Gbajabiamila also started in the Capital Cup final victory against Farnham Town, which saw Brentford Women lift the trophy for a second consecutive year.

“The Capital Cup was a really fun game of football to play in and watch. It was really intense and unpredictable,” explained Gbajabiamila.

“Watching the final penalty be scored by Ashley Cheatley was just pure joy, and then lifting the trophy as a team after a tough battle was amazing.

“My favourite memory of the season has to be the coach journey back after we won the league away at Clapton - that was a special day.”

Although Gbajabiamila came through the academy at Crystal Palace Women, playing in a Premier League ground at Gtech Community Stadium was a surreal feeling.

“I was nervous to play at Gtech - I’ve never played in front of that many people before,” she said.

“As soon as I stepped on the pitch, it just felt like a normal game of football and I loved it.”

Looking back to the beginning, Gbajabiamila remembers a sentimental moment in her introduction to the sport: "I got into football because of my older brother.

"My earliest memory was playing a game when I was about seven and I was the only girl on the pitch.

“I decided to do a 360 skill, and I remember looking at my brother, who was so proud of me, whilst all the other parents went, ‘Ooo’! It was really funny and has stuck with me since.

“My biggest inspirations are my older brother and sister. Seeing the challenges they have faced and where they are now shows that success doesn’t come easy.

“It keeps me focused, grateful and hungry to keep pushing forward."

Now, as Brentford Women embark on their first season in the London and South East Premier Division, Gbajabiamila is eager to continue developing in a challenging new league.

“Being patient and having the right attitude is so important, being one of the youngest players on the team,” said Gbajabiamila.

“Having the right attitude means showing up to training every session and being respectful, hardworking and eager to learn.

“Being patient means the opportunities will not come around instantly but being prepared and consistent will always help me get a chance and keep growing.”