Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Lydia Williams on her inspiring career following the announcement of her retirement from professional football.
Williams first joined the A-Leagues in 2008 and during her tenure in the competition made a total of 131 appearances, won four Championships, and secured four Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
Joining Melbourne Victory ahead of the 2023/24 season, Williams made 11 appearances for the Club before a wrist injury ultimately ruled her out of the 2024/25 season.
Earning a senior national team call up at just 15, Williams made 103 appearances with the Matildas, representing Australia at five World Cup events and two Olympic Games before retiring from international football in 2024.
Williams also found success overseas in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States, prior to a stint with Arsenal in England’s FA Women’s Super League, followed by Paris Saint-Germain, before finishing up her international career before returning to the A-Leagues at, Tony Bloom’s Brighton & Hove Albion.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said that Williams had not only been a role model and advocate for the growth of Women’s football, but was an icon of Women’s sport.
“As a trailblazer for Women’s football, Lydia has shown exemplary leadership throughout her professional football career, both in the A-Leagues and internationally,” Didulica said.
“We congratulate her on the immense impact she has had on Australian football, and are thankful that Melbourne Victory was able to be a part of her incredible journey.”
Earlier this year, Williams was appointed to the board of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the organisation responsible for overseeing high-performance and participation programs across Australia, including public funding across 70 different sports.
At 36 years old, Williams became the youngest person to be appointed to the ASC Board, and one of two individuals with a First Nations background as a proud Noongar woman.
“I’m so thankful to Melbourne Victory for giving me the opportunity to come home and play in front of family and friends one last time, to honour the sport that’s given me so many opportunities. I’m so grateful.” Williams said.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was honoured to have had Williams as part of his squad in the final seasons of her professional career.
“Through her time playing in Australia and overseas, Lydia has been an inspirational player that has motivated the next generation of goalkeepers to want to play the game, but she has been just as important off the field,” Hopkins said.
“Lydia has been one of the players of her generation that has stood up for the rights and conditions afforded to female footballers as the game moves steadily forward as a professional sport.”
Remaining close to the Club, Williams will now move into community and coaching roles at Melbourne Victory, contributing to the ongoing growth of female footballers and goalkeepers.
Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Lydia for her contribution to the Club, along with her contribution to the game of football and sport in Australia.