Matildas veteran Clare Polkinghorne has announced her record-breaking international career will come to an end in November.
The 35-year-old is by far the most-capped Australian footballer, earning 167 caps since debuting in 2006.
But the Queenslander has decided to walk away — after a farewell appearance on home soil — as the Matildas begin to embark on a new era under their next coach.
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Polkinghorne first told teammates with a voice message before the decision was made public on Wednesday.
“It’ll take a while for me to process everything that’s happened in my career, and all things that I’ve been a part of,” Polkinghorne said.
“It’s been a special 18 and a half years in the Matildas’ jersey, and it’s something that I’m incredibly proud of. I’m just really thankful that I got the opportunity to do what I love for so long and to represent this great team for so long.”
Polkinghorne will take her final bow against Brazil in her hometown of Brisbane on November 28.
The Matildas are due to face Switzerland and Germany later this month before the clash with Brazil at Suncorp Stadium and another on the Gold Coast on December 1.
Polkinghorne, who has given up the chance to contend for the 2026 Asian Cup hosted by Australia, said she spoke to past players about the retirement process before deciding to hang up the boots.
“I’ve given everything that I have for this jersey. Mentally, physically, emotionally,” Polkinghorne said.
“My dad always said that you’re a long time retired, so it’s definitely a decision that I didn’t come up with quickly or lightly, but it felt like the perfect moment for me.”
She will continue her club career at Kristianstads DFF in Sweden while working towards her coaching licence.
The Queensland product has been called up to five FIFA Women’s World Cup squads (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and is a three-time Olympian (2016, 2020, 2024).
Part of the Matildas team to have reached their first knockout win in 2015 and first Olympics semi-final appearance in 2021, Polkinghorne also played in their 2010 Asian Cup victory — the first continental trophy for Australia.
Her club career began at hometown club Brisbane Roar, twice winning the premiership and grand final across 140 appearances for the A-League Women club over several stints since 2008.
She is a two-time Julie Dolan medallist (2012-13, 2017-18), the domestic competition’s highest individual award for a women’s player.
Polkinghorne played for Swedish club Vittsjö GIK, National Women’s Soccer League teams Portland Thorns and Houston Dash, and Norwegian club Avaldnses IL before landing at Kristianstads.
– with AAP
