Cecilia Zandalasini’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Orlando Bloom

Cecilia Zandalasini is an Italian professional basketball player who represents the Golden State Valkyries in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on March 16, 1996, in Broni, Lombardy, Italy, she comes from a family with strong basketball traditions. Her parents are Roberto Zandalasini and Paola Lombardi, while her siblings are Andrea Zandalasini and Camilla Zandalasini.

Beyond her successful basketball career, Cecilia Zandalasini’s family and romantic relationships have attracted considerable attention. She is in a relationship with Sara, a dentist from Bologna, while her father and older brother were instrumental in introducing her to basketball during childhood. Her mother also made significant sacrifices to support her professional ambitions.

From her girlfriend and potential children to her parents and siblings, Zandalasini’s personal story reflects family encouragement, athletic dedication and the challenges of maintaining close relationships while competing internationally.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Girlfriend: Who Is Sara?

Cecilia Zandalasini is in a relationship with Sara, an Italian dentist from Bologna. Their relationship was publicly confirmed in interviews published by prominent Italian media outlets in 2026.

In March 2026, Italian newspaper Domani discussed Zandalasini’s relationship with her girlfriend, explaining how Sara helped her become more open and confident in expressing herself.

The relationship was further documented in September 2026, when Zandalasini spoke about her partner during an interview with Vanity Fair Italia.

She explained that Sara had accompanied her to San Francisco during the previous WNBA season and remained with her for much of her stay in the United States.

Their relationship has become an important source of stability as Cecilia balances her basketball commitments between Italy and America.

Although several online publications identify her girlfriend as Sara Barbieri, major interviews have generally referred to her simply as Sara.

What Does Cecilia Zandalasini’s Girlfriend Do?

According to Zandalasini’s September 2026 interview with Vanity Fair Italia, Sara works as a dentist.

She was born and raised in Bologna, a city with a strong basketball culture and longstanding sporting traditions.

Although Sara did not play basketball competitively, she developed an appreciation for the sport while growing up in Bologna.

Zandalasini explained that her girlfriend has occasionally expressed interest in learning to play basketball.

However, Sara’s professional background is in dentistry rather than competitive sports.

Their relationship demonstrates how two people with different professional careers can share common interests and support each other’s ambitions.

How Did Cecilia Zandalasini Meet Her Girlfriend?

Cecilia Zandalasini met Sara during her time living and playing basketball in Bologna.

Between 2021 and 2024, Zandalasini represented Virtus Bologna, becoming one of the team’s leading players.

During this period, she developed friendships and personal connections that continued after she left the club.

In her Vanity Fair interview, she explained that her experiences in Bologna had changed her life in several ways, including introducing her to Sara.

The couple subsequently maintained their relationship as Cecilia moved between professional basketball teams and international competitions.

Cecilia Zandalasini and Sara’s Life Together

Cecilia Zandalasini and Sara have traveled together and developed several shared interests outside basketball.

During a break from professional competition, they visited the Bahamas, enjoying a vacation away from the demands of training and international travel.

In October 2026, Zandalasini told Corriere della Sera that Sara had introduced her to collecting vinyl records.

The couple enjoys visiting record stores, including a favorite location in San Francisco.

Music has become one of their shared interests, with Zandalasini expressing particular appreciation for Frank Ocean.

Their relationship has also provided emotional support during periods when Cecilia has been required to spend several months away from Italy.

Is Cecilia Zandalasini Married?

As of now, Cecilia Zandalasini has not publicly confirmed being married.

Although her relationship with Sara is documented in several Italian interviews, reliable reporting does not establish that the couple has held a wedding ceremony or legally married.

Therefore, Sara is best described as Zandalasini’s girlfriend or partner rather than her wife.

Does Cecilia Zandalasini Have Children?

As of now, Cecilia Zandalasini has not publicly announced having any children. There are no reliable reports confirming that she has a son or daughter.

Although her professional career has required extensive travel between Europe and the United States, she has occasionally discussed the importance of family in her personal life.

In an interview published by Rolling Stone Italia in 2018, Zandalasini reflected on the possibility of having children in the future.

At that time, she emphasized the importance of relationships and family life beyond professional basketball.

However, those earlier comments should not be interpreted as confirmation of any current plans for motherhood.

Her parental status remains private, and there is no verified public announcement establishing that she has become a mother.

Who Are Cecilia Zandalasini’s Parents?

Cecilia Zandalasini’s parents are Roberto Zandalasini and Paola Lombardi. Both played important roles in helping their daughter become one of Italy’s most accomplished women’s basketball players.

The family lived in Broni, a town in the province of Pavia in northern Italy.

Her father played basketball locally and introduced his children to the sport, while her mother supported their education and sporting activities.

As Cecilia’s basketball ambitions developed, her parents regularly traveled long distances to help her attend training sessions and competitions.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Father: Roberto Zandalasini

Roberto Zandalasini is Cecilia Zandalasini’s father and a former basketball player associated with the local basketball community in Broni.

During his playing career, Roberto represented teams in the area and later became involved in basketball administration.

His passion for the sport strongly influenced his children, particularly Andrea and Cecilia.

In a July 2017 interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cecilia explained that her father introduced basketball into the family.

She regularly watched her older brother play and eventually decided that she wanted to follow his example.

Roberto encouraged his daughter’s interest and supported her participation in organized basketball.

As Cecilia developed into a promising young player, she began training with Geas Basket in Sesto San Giovanni.

Traveling between Broni and Sesto San Giovanni required considerable family commitment.

According to Cecilia, her parents transported her to training sessions several times each week over approximately five years.

These journeys helped her access higher-level competition and develop the technical skills needed for professional basketball.

Roberto also continued supporting his daughter after she began playing professionally.

In a 2017 interview with Pianeta Basket, he expressed pride in Cecilia’s achievements while acknowledging that she still had opportunities to improve.

His encouragement helped her develop confidence without placing unnecessary pressure on her sporting performance.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Mother: Paola Lombardi

Paola Lombardi is Cecilia Zandalasini’s mother and one of the most important supporters throughout her daughter’s basketball journey.

Although Paola has maintained a relatively private professional life, she has appeared in several interviews discussing Cecilia’s development.

During her daughter’s childhood, Paola helped manage the demanding schedule associated with school, basketball practices and competitions.

Alongside Roberto, she frequently traveled across Lombardy to support Cecilia’s athletic ambitions.

Her encouragement continued as Cecilia progressed through Italy’s youth basketball system and eventually established herself professionally.

In February 2017, Zandalasini received the prestigious Premio Reverberi recognition as one of Italy’s outstanding basketball players.

During an interview with La Provincia Pavese, she dedicated the award to her mother, describing Paola as someone she could always rely on.

Paola also traveled to the United States to support her daughter during her early WNBA career.

In October 2017, she attended games involving the Minnesota Lynx and celebrated Cecilia’s first WNBA championship.

Even after her daughter became an internationally recognized athlete, Paola continued providing emotional support.

During a September 2026 interview, Cecilia explained that her mother had visited her in San Francisco during the previous season.

The relationship between mother and daughter reflects the importance of maintaining family connections despite the demands of international professional basketball.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Siblings: Meet Andrea and Camilla Zandalasini

Cecilia Zandalasini has two siblings: Andrea Zandalasini and Camilla Zandalasini.

Both were identified in Italian media reports covering Cecilia’s childhood and early basketball career.

Her older brother Andrea played competitive basketball and helped introduce Cecilia to the sport, while her sister Camilla has maintained a comparatively private public profile.

The siblings grew up in Broni, where basketball became an important family activity.

Andrea Zandalasini: Cecilia Zandalasini’s Older Brother

Andrea Zandalasini is Cecilia Zandalasini’s older brother and a former competitive basketball player.

Born in 1989, Andrea is approximately seven years older than Cecilia.

He played basketball in Italy’s regional and national lower-division competitions, representing clubs including Omnia Cava and teams in Pavia.

His athletic career attracted local media attention, particularly during his time competing in Serie C basketball.

Growing up, Cecilia frequently watched Andrea’s games and training sessions.

In interviews, she explained that her brother’s involvement in basketball encouraged her to develop an interest in the sport.

The siblings regularly practiced together in their family’s yard, attempting shots and recreating moves they had seen professional players perform.

Andrea was older and physically stronger, making their childhood games challenging for Cecilia.

However, those experiences helped her develop confidence when competing against boys and more experienced players.

In a November 2014 interview with La Provincia Pavese, Andrea discussed his sister’s development and expressed pride in her achievements.

He also explained that he regularly followed her games and tried to attend competitions whenever possible.

Alongside basketball, Andrea pursued higher education, studying civil engineering.

His influence remains an important part of Cecilia’s story because their childhood games helped develop the skills that eventually contributed to her professional success.

Camilla Zandalasini: Cecilia Zandalasini’s Sister

Camilla Zandalasini is Cecilia Zandalasini’s older sister and another member of the family.

Her name appeared in Italian media coverage during Cecilia’s early basketball career.

In October 2017, Pianeta Basket reported that Camilla attended a basketball game in Broni alongside other family members to support Cecilia.

The occasion was particularly meaningful because Cecilia had recently won the WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx.

Camilla joined relatives and friends who gathered at the arena to celebrate her sister’s achievements.

Unlike Andrea, whose competitive basketball career has been documented in Italian sports publications, Camilla has maintained a relatively private public profile.

Reliable information about her professional occupation, educational background and personal relationships is limited.

However, her presence at family celebrations demonstrates her connection to Cecilia’s sporting journey.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Childhood and Family Life in Broni

Cecilia Zandalasini was born and raised in Broni, a town in the Lombardy region of Italy.

Her childhood was strongly influenced by basketball because her father and older brother were actively involved in the sport.

She began playing basketball at approximately five years old, frequently accompanying Andrea to games and training sessions.

At home, the siblings practiced shooting and ball-handling skills together.

Cecilia was particularly inspired by Kobe Bryant, whose NBA performances she watched regularly.

After watching basketball games on television, she sometimes went outside with her brother to imitate Bryant’s movements.

Her father encouraged these activities, helping create an environment where basketball became a daily passion.

As her skills improved, Cecilia joined local youth basketball programs before moving to Geas Basket in Sesto San Giovanni.

The decision required significant family sacrifices, particularly because of the distance between their home and the training facility.

Her parents repeatedly drove her to practices, making it possible for her to compete against some of Italy’s most talented young basketball players.

How Cecilia Zandalasini’s Family Influenced Her Basketball Career

Cecilia Zandalasini’s progression from a young basketball player in Broni to an international professional athlete was shaped by her family’s encouragement.

Her father introduced her to the sport, her brother provided early competition, and her mother helped support the demanding schedule associated with elite development.

She began attracting national attention during her teenage years while competing with Geas Basket.

Her achievements included winning multiple Italian youth basketball championships and establishing herself as one of the country’s most promising young players.

In 2014, she joined Famila Schio, beginning a successful period in Italy’s top women’s basketball league.

Her performances earned her opportunities with the Italian national team and helped establish her international reputation.

In 2016, Zandalasini received the Most Valuable Player award at the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship.

The following year, she delivered an outstanding performance at Women’s EuroBasket 2017, averaging 19 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Her performances attracted attention from the WNBA, where she joined the Minnesota Lynx during the 2017 season.

She subsequently became a WNBA champion after Minnesota defeated the Los Angeles Sparks in the finals.

The achievement represented a major milestone for Zandalasini and her family, who had supported her ambitions since childhood.

She continued her professional career in Europe, representing clubs including Fenerbahçe, Virtus Bologna, Galatasaray and Famila Schio.

Her success in these competitions helped establish her as an experienced international basketball player.

Cecilia Zandalasini’s Golden State Valkyries Career

Cecilia Zandalasini returned to the WNBA with the Golden State Valkyries for the franchise’s inaugural 2025 season.

Her international experience and perimeter shooting ability made her an important contributor to the team’s development.

During the 2025 regular season, she averaged a career-high 10.5 points per game while shooting 40.7 percent from three-point range.

On April 12, 2026, Golden State announced that it had signed Zandalasini to a new one-year contract.

Her performances continued contributing to the team’s success during the 2026 season.

In October 2026, Zandalasini helped the Valkyries reach the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream.

Her achievements came alongside another important period for Italian basketball, as she helped Italy win the bronze medal at Women’s EuroBasket 2025 and qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Throughout these experiences, she remained connected to her family in Italy and maintained her relationship with Sara despite the challenges of international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cecilia Zandalasini’s Family

Who is Cecilia Zandalasini’s girlfriend?

Cecilia Zandalasini’s girlfriend is Sara, an Italian dentist from Bologna. Their relationship was publicly confirmed in interviews published during 2026.

Is Cecilia Zandalasini married?

As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Cecilia Zandalasini is married or has a wife.

Does Cecilia Zandalasini have children?

Cecilia Zandalasini has not publicly announced having children, and no reliable sources confirm that she has a son or daughter.

Who are Cecilia Zandalasini’s parents?

Her parents are Roberto Zandalasini and Paola Lombardi. Both supported her basketball development during childhood in Broni, Italy.

Who is Cecilia Zandalasini’s father?

Her father is Roberto Zandalasini, a former basketball player and local basketball administrator who helped introduce Cecilia to the sport.

Who is Cecilia Zandalasini’s mother?

Her mother is Paola Lombardi, who supported Cecilia’s basketball development and regularly traveled to attend training sessions and competitions.

How many siblings does Cecilia Zandalasini have?

Cecilia Zandalasini has two siblings, her older brother Andrea Zandalasini and her sister Camilla Zandalasini.

Who is Cecilia Zandalasini’s brother?

Her brother is Andrea Zandalasini, a former competitive basketball player who represented Italian clubs and helped inspire Cecilia’s interest in basketball.

Who is Cecilia Zandalasini’s sister?

Her sister is Camilla Zandalasini, who has attended basketball games and family celebrations supporting Cecilia’s professional achievements.

Where was Cecilia Zandalasini born?

Cecilia Zandalasini was born on March 16, 1996, in Broni, Lombardy, Italy.

How old is Cecilia Zandalasini?

Born on March 16, 1996, Cecilia Zandalasini is 30 years old as of now.

What is Cecilia Zandalasini’s nationality?

Cecilia Zandalasini is Italian. She was born in Broni and represents Italy in international basketball competitions.

Which WNBA team does Cecilia Zandalasini play for?

Cecilia Zandalasini plays for the Golden State Valkyries, who re-signed her to a one-year contract in April 2026.

Has Cecilia Zandalasini won a WNBA championship?

Yes. Cecilia Zandalasini won the 2017 WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx.

How did Cecilia Zandalasini start playing basketball?

She developed an interest in basketball after watching her father and older brother play. She began participating in organized basketball around the age of five.