Lydia Williams, the most enduring player for the CommBank Matildas, has announced she will retire from international football.
At the conclusion of Australia’s Paris 2024™️ Olympic Games campaign, Williams will bring down the curtain on a storied international career that commenced on 28 July 2005 and has currently spanned 103 international matches and close to 19 years.
As a proud Noongar woman, Williams (cap #138) is one of only two footballers to represent Australia at senior FIFA tournaments on five occasions (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023). The CommBank Matildas veteran has also donned the gloves at six AFC Women’s Asian Cups (2006, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), two Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournaments (2016, 2020), and the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Williams made history as the first Australian female goalkeeper and only the second Indigenous footballer after Kyah Simon to surpass 100 international caps.
During her peak, she was renowned as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers, garnering numerous accolades including multiple W-League/A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards, PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year, induction into the Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame and named in the IFFHS AFC Women’s Team of the Decade (2011-2020).
Most recently, Williams was a valued member of the CommBank Matildas’ squad who finished a historic fourth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™️ on Australian soil.
Reflecting on her international career and its considerable moments, Williams shared: “After a lot of thought and discussion with my family and friends, now seems like the right time to announce I will be stepping away from international football following the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“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. 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,” Williams concluded.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson expressed his gratitude on behalf of the football community for Williams’ impact on Australian football.
“Lydia’s remarkable career has significantly shaped women’s football in Australia, blending exceptional skill with a passion for progress in the sport. She leaves an indelible legacy that will inspire future generations of indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds.
“It has not only been through her efforts between the posts, with goal saving dives and vibrant leadership on the pitch, but also in her passion to make the sport better through her role as Vice President of the Professional Footballers Australia.”
“Lydia’s CommBank Matildas’ career is truly iconic spanning continents and playing generations. She has given so much to this team and to Australian football and will be long remembered as a legend of the modern game. She has influenced the women’s game in a way that will be felt for generations to come.”
“On behalf of Football Australia, I’d like to express our gratitude to Lydia for her contribution and impact on the CommBank Matildas and look forward to celebrating a distinguished career,” expressed Johnson.
CommBank Matildas Head Coach, Tony Gustavsson said Williams’ presence and career cannot be overstated.
“Lydia truly represents what the CommBank Matildas are all about. Incredible on-field talent mixed with authenticity, warmth, and a desire to leave the game better than she found it.
“Lydia has done all of that and then some more. To be able to play the game at the highest level for close to two decades takes significant commitment, passion and focus to always get one day better. Her story is one that show what is possible with hard work and drive. Just as importantly, Lydia makes others around her better as she willingly and generously shares her experience and knowledge for the benefit of the team.”
“It has been a privilege to be a small part of Lydia’s football journey and I wish her all the best once the next chapter of her life begins. For the moment, we look forward to coming together to acknowledge a stellar career in the upcoming international matches,” remarked Gustavsson.
Football Australia is set to honour Williams at an upcoming fixture against China PR at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Monday, June 3.
LYDIA WILLIAMS STATISTICS AND ACCOLADES | COMMBANK MATILDAS
Statistics
• x5 senior FIFA World Cups (China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015, France 2019, Australia & New Zealand 2023)
• 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
• x6 AFC Women’s Asian Cups
• x2 Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)
• First female Australian goalkeeper to make 100 international appearances
• Second Indigenous football to make 100 international appearances
Awards & Recognition
• 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Title
• 2008 AFF Women’s Championship Title
• x5 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Awards (2010/11, 2011/12, 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20)
• x2 PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year (2011/12, 2015/16)
• x1 W-League Championship title (2011/12)
• x2 W-League Premiership title (2011/12, 2013/14)
• x1 W-League Players’ Player of the Year (2011/12)
• x1 W-League PFA Team of the Season (2016/17)
• 2018 National Women’s Super League Second XI Goalkeeper
• Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
• Deadly Award for Female Sportsperson of the Year (2006)
• International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) AFC Women’s Team of the Decade (2011- 2020)
