Jota Balances World Cup, Stanford and Modelling Career

Kaiya Jota is the definition of a model footballer. The England goalkeeper has already taken part in a FIFA Women's World Cup™, is a student-athlete at the prestigious Stanford University — and is on the books of Storm Management as a fashion model.

After representing the Philippines for a number of years, including being on the squad at Australia & New Zealand 2023, Jota made the switch to England the following year. She has since become a key member of the Young Lionesses set-up in the build-up to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™.

Following a Women's World Cup with an appearance at an U-20 global finals is quite rare in the sport, but the 20-year-old is confident that it is the best move for her career going forwards, both at club and international level. It also enables her to represent both her parents' heritage on the global stage. She is now eagerly awaiting the upcoming showpiece in Poland, where England face Brazil, Canada and Tanzania in the group stage.

Ahead of the tournament, Jota spoke to FIFA about her playing career, broadcast journalism ambitions and breaking into the world of modelling.

World Cup Dreams and Preparation

Jota expressed her excitement about the upcoming U-20 World Cup, noting that this will be her last opportunity to compete at this level due to age eligibility. She acknowledged the strength of the opposition but highlighted the team's cohesion from recent camps.

It would mean everything. Any World Cup is huge but the U-20s is huge... as this will be the last time ever being at the age when I can be in contention for this tournament. So being able to go with the girls would be such a good experience and I'm super-excited for the opportunity. In terms of competition, those are no easy teams but based off the past couple of camps that we've had, we have a really good group and I'm really excited to be part of that.

She detailed the preparation schedule, which includes a final prep camp and another camp before departing for Poland. Much of the preparation happens with club teams, and at Stanford she follows Individual Development Programmes (IDPs) tailored by coaches to ensure she is at her best when September arrives.

From Philippines to England

Reflecting on her time with the Philippines, Jota described the experience as incredible and a crucial part of her development. She started with the national team at age 15 and remained until 2023, a period that shaped her footballing growth.

It was incredible, it was absolutely insane. I was with them for a lot of years growing up, I started with them when I was 15 until 2023 so that was a big chunk of my time growing up in football and a really big part of my development. Going to the World Cup and seeing all that football happen in person was insane.

She explained that the decision to switch allegiance was not taken lightly, given her rare ability to represent both her parents' countries. The 2023 World Cup felt like the perfect moment to embark on a new journey with England.

Life at Stanford and Academic Pursuits

Jota praised Stanford's resources and facilities, calling herself 'spoiled' by the opportunities available. She is majoring in communications, with a specific focus on sports journalism and broadcasting, and appreciates the flexibility to choose her own academic path.

It's amazing. We are spoiled here, we have absolutely everything resources-wise in terms of facilities so I'm super grateful that I get the opportunity to be here every day. As far as studies, I am a communications major. Sports journalism and sports broadcasting is the specific focus that I want to get into. I really enjoy my classes. Stanford is one of the few institutions where you get to pick every class you take and the path of academics that you want to get into so we're supported in that aspect.

Modelling: A Chance Encounter

Jota's foray into modelling began unexpectedly during a club trip to New York City when she was 14 or 15. A stranger approached her on a walk and asked if she had ever modelled, leading to a studio visit that proved legitimate. After careful consideration, she decided to pursue it alongside football, with the agency accommodating her busy schedule.

It's a funny story. I was 14 or 15 and with my club team and had an away trip to New Jersey. We went to New York City and my family and I were going on a walk when a guy ran up to me with his dog and asked if I had ever modelled before. I thought it was completely fake and not real at all but we ended up going to his studio and it was very real. After that I had to think about it for a while as it seemed like a big commitment on top of football as well but after speaking to them as well they were very accommodating with my schedule and everything. It is something that I enjoy doing on the side.

When asked about her long-term ambitions, Jota was clear: football remains her priority. She aims to play professionally for as long as possible, with modelling as a complementary pursuit.

Definitely, professional. The goal is to play football for as long as I can and as long as my legs will let me.