Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce the signing of Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams for the 2023/24 Liberty A-League season.
The 35-year-old joins the Club on a two-year deal from English WSL side Brighton Hove and Albion, previously representing Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in her past three seasons away from Australia.
Williams has made 120 appearances in the A-League Women’s competition, winning four Championships and winning the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award four times.
The goalkeeper has also made over 100 appearances for the Matildas, representing her country at five World Cups and two Olympic Games to add to her illustrious career.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said Williams will be an important addition to the squad for the upcoming season.
“We’re thrilled to have a goalkeeper of Lydia’s calibre in the squad for the upcoming campaign,” Hopkins said.
“Her experience not only at A-League level but across Europe and internationally will be an invaluable asset to our squad on and off the field.
“We’re confident we’ve built a squad this season that will challenge for the Championship. The work starts now for us to come together as a team and use the upcoming pre-season to continue the momentum of last season and return to the summit in 2024.”
Williams was also looking forward to joining Melbourne Victory.
“I’m excited to be returning home and representing Melbourne Victory this season,” Williams said.
“Jeff and the team have built an incredible squad for the upcoming season and I’m looking forward to playing my role and contributing to the squad.
“After such an exciting period for our sport, to be returning to the competition where I started my career and had so many great memories is an honour for me but I also want to continue making great memories with the team and the Club.”
Williams is the eighth new signing of the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season, joining McKenzie Weinert, Tori Hansen, Rachel Lowe, Emma Checker, Jamilla Rankin, Kurea Okino and Ella O’Grady as the side returned to training this week ahead of their first match of the season on Sunday 15 October against Brisbane Roar at the Home of the Matildas.
