Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams to retire from international football after Paris Olympics
Lydia Williams has featured in a record five World Cups for the Matildas. (Getty Images: Chris Hyde)
Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has announced she will hang up her gloves at the international level after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After making 103 appearances for the international team, Australian football’s longest serving player will bring an end to her distinguished career in green and gold hoping to win a first Olympic medal later this year.
The 35-year-old Melbourne Victory shot stopper, who has played at five World Cups and was part of the 2010 Asian Cup title triumph, made her announcement on social media on Thursday night.
“It’s been a wonderful ride over the last 19 years,” said Williams, who has played club football overseas in the US, Sweden, England and France.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to not only wear the crest and perform for my country, but also to the wonderful memories and fantastic people that I’ve met along the way.”
A national debutant at age 15, Williams is one of only two Indigenous Australians to earn 100 Matildas caps along with Kyah Simon, and the only goalkeeper in Matildas history to surpass that milestone.
She said she hopes she had a hand in building football in Australia and especially the Matildas.
“I love the team and I love the girls and I’m going to miss them so much and I just hope that the level of support and love shown to the Matildas and to each and every single player continues.
“All good things come to an end but I’m excited to start my next journey.”
Tony Gustavsson’s Matildas have been drawn in Group B with the world No. 4 United States, world No. 5 Germany and Zambia.
It will be Australia’s fifth appearance in the women’s Olympic football tournament, with their best-ever finish of fourth coming in Tokyo.
The Matildas will play their group stage matches in Marseille and Nice and open their campaign against the Europeans on July 25.
ABC/AAP