Clare Polkinghorne OAM
Image credit: Tiffany Williams
Retired international professional footballer and ex-Matildas player Clare Polkinghorne OAM says her recent recognition in the Australia Day 2025 Honours list led her to reflect on her influence on a sport which gave her so much throughout her life.
Having debuted for the Matildas in 2006, Clare played 169 games for Australia throughout her career, including five World Cups and three Olympic Games, before retiring from international football in 2024. She currently plays as a defender for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF.
Her expansive career has made Clare Australia’s most capped footballer.
“While football has given me so much, I hope that I have been able to give as much, if not more, back by inspiring those who have watched and supported me and the Matildas to follow their passion and to pursue whatever it is that gives them purpose,” she says.
“This is the power of sport, and I have been lucky enough to be involved in a team that has, especially in recent years, helped to change the landscape of Australian sport and increase the opportunities available to young female footballers in particular, but also to anyone wanting to fulfil their dreams.”
Clare was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to football.
Having played international football for Australia for 18 years, Clare says the most rewarding part of her journey has been watching “the growth of women’s football in Australia and the impact that we as athletes can have, especially on young people”.
“Sometimes as an athlete you are just focused on the next tournament, the next match, the next training session and you forget the power that sport has and the position you are in to inspire those who support you and your team.
“The Matildas have a great supporter base, and we have always felt so close to our fans. Seeing this develop throughout my career has been incredible and it is this type of support that makes our job even more rewarding.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours and Awards system. Clare says there is an ongoing importance in recognising Australians to show people just how much their work is having an impact, just like it showed her.
“Often we don’t realise the extent that we can have a positive impact, we don’t realise the impact we are having on other people, which is why it is important for us as a country to recognise the amazing contribution people have in all different parts of society, whatever it is they may do.”