Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as “SAMBA”, is a Nepalese professional footballer and the all-time top scorer in Nepalese football history. Known for her incredible goal-scoring ability, she has made a name for herself both domestically and internationally — from dominating the Nepal women’s national team to becoming the first Nepali woman to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
In 2024, Sabitra began a new chapter of her career with En Avant Guingamp, a top-tier French club, before signing a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix. This New Zealand-based club competes in Australia’s A-League Women. Her rise from the streets of Nepal to the grand stages of Europe and Oceania has inspired countless young athletes.
Sabitra Bhandari was born on November 14, 1996, in Lamjung, Nepal. Raised in a humble family, she discovered her passion for football at an early age, often playing barefoot with boys in her village. Her mother, Muma Bhandari, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. Despite limited facilities and opportunities for girls’ football in Nepal, Sabitra’s talent shone through from the start.
She completed her basic education in Lamjung before dedicating herself full-time to football, driven by dreams of representing her country and playing abroad.
Sabitra’s professional journey began with the Armed Police Force (APF) Club in Nepal, where her sharp finishing quickly made her a standout striker. Her big breakthrough came when she joined clubs in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), such as Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, where she dominated the league with record-breaking performances.
In 2024, she made history as the first Nepali female footballer to play in a top-tier European league, signing with En Avant Guingamp in France. Later, in 2025, she joined Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women's, marking another milestone for Nepali football.
Her international career with the Nepal women’s national team has been equally remarkable. She has scored over 43 international goals, making her Nepal’s all-time top scorer across both men’s and women’s football.
Her incredible scoring record — including over 60 goals in just 24 games in the Indian Women’s League — earned her the nickname “Nepal’s Goal Machine.”
Sabitra Bhandari is affectionately called “Samba” by fans and teammates. As of now, she is not married, and she keeps her personal life private, focusing mainly on her career and family.
Standing at approximately 1.67 meters (5 ft 6 in) tall, her physical strength and agility make her one of the most feared forwards in South Asian women’s football. She often credits her mother for her success, sharing emotional moments such as celebrating wins with her after major tournaments.
While exact figures about Sabitra Bhandari’s net worth and salary are not publicly available, her income sources include contracts with clubs in France and New Zealand, endorsements, and match bonuses from the national team. Her market value continues to rise as she gains international exposure through European and Australian leagues.