Born in Le Chesnay and trained in Yvelines, Joan-Benjamin Gaba started judo at the age of six with BTC Bushido Club de Trappes. He continued his progress with Sèvres before joining the national team set-up. He first joined the Pôle Espoirs at Châtenay-Malabry, then the Pôle France de Strasbourg. Throughout his training, Joan-Benjamin stood out for his seriousness, mental strength, consistency and great ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Alongside his sporting career, he joined the Armée des Champions, a Ministry of the Armed Forces programme supporting high-level athletes.
In 2024, at the Paris Olympic Games, Joan-Benjamin Gaba reached the final in the -73kg category after a solid run, winning the silver medal in his first Olympic appearance. He then contributed to France's victory in the mixed team event, winning all his bouts and adding a team gold medal to his list of achievements.
At just 24 years of age, Joan-Benjamin Gaba already has an impressive track record: 2025 World Champion in Budapest in the -73 kg category, 2024 Olympic silver medallist, Olympic team champion, double bronze medallist at the European Championships (2024 in Zagreb and 2025 in Podgorica) and French senior champion in 2023. His career has been typified by consistency at the highest level and steady progress on the international stage.
"Signing with Paris Saint-Germain Judo for the next four seasons is an important step in my career. I am joining an ambitious club that will allow me to continue to progress at the highest level. The goal is clear: to prepare myself as best I can for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and go for gold. I am proud to wear the PSG colours and to be part of a team focused on excellence."
"We are very proud to have Joan-Benjamin Gaba among the athletes of Paris Saint-Germain Judo. At only 24 years of age, he already has an excellent track record. By joining the Club, he is fully in line with our long-term performance project, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in his sights. Surrounded by a sports and medical staff and top-level athletes, he will be able to continue to progress in the best possible conditions. His arrival strengthens our momentum and our collective determination to win the biggest titles."