‘Leaves an indelible legacy’: Trailblazing Matildas icon to retire after Paris Olympics

Veteran Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has been lauded for the “indelible legacy” she will leave on Australian football after announcing she will retire from international football following the Paris Olympics.

Just the second Indigenous footballer to make 100 international appearances, Williams will bring down the curtain on a storeyed international career that began on July 28, 2005 and has spanned 103 matches for the Matildas.

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“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent my country, my heritage, my sport, my family, and many teammates over the past 19 years,” she said.

“Playing for the CommBank Matildas across FIFA Women’s World Cups, Olympics and Asian Cups has provided me with memories and friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I started in this team as a teenager from Canberra and across almost two decades I never imagine that I would be afforded the opportunity to learn, grow, experience life’s challenges and joys, fight against injustices and be shaped into the person I am today.

“I would like to thank all those who have cared for me and supported me all these years; from my family, to close friends, the head coaches, goalkeeping coaches, team managers, my incredible teammates, and the CommBank Matildas fans.

“This team is truly special, and I am proud of what it stands for, what it represents for a whole generation of women and girls. It’s just getting started and I can’t wait to cheer on the team from the sidelines when the next chapter of my life begins.”

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