Sierra Cota-Yarde

Sierra Deolinda Cota-Yarde (born 4 July 2003) is a footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League. Born in Canada, she represents Portugal at international level.

Early life Cota-Yarde played youth soccer with SC Toronto, Benfica Toronto, and the North Toronto Nitros.

College career In 2021, Cota-Yarde began attending Prairie View A&M University, where she played for the women's soccer team. In September 2021, she was named the SWAC Goalkeeper of the Week in back-to-back weeks.

In 2022, she began attending the University of Arkansas. She was named to the Academic Honor Roll in 2022 and 2023 and also named to the SEC Community Service Team in 2023.

In 2024, she transferred to Southern Methodist University. She earned her first victory in the season opener on 15 August 2024, in a 3-0 victory over the Northwestern State Lady Demons

Club career From 2022 to 2024, she played with the North Toronto Nitros in League1 Ontario.

In January 2025, she signed with AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League. She made her debut on 11 May 2025 against Vancouver Rise FC. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, in which AFC Toronto won the inaugural NSL Supporters' Shield, Cota-Yarde signed a contract extension through 2027.

International career Born in Canada, she is eligible to represent Canada and Portugal (where her mother was born).

She began her international career with the Portugal U19 team, making three appearances. She made her debut on 22 February 2022 against Austria.

In September 2023, she was called up to the Portugal senior team for the first time, ahead of a pair of UEFA Women's Nations League matches. She made her senior debut on 27 February 2024, as a late substitute, in a friendly against South Korea.

In June 2025, Cota-Yarde was called up to the Portugal squad for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025.

Career statistics