The Matildas are once again in the spotlight as they begin their campaign at the Paris Olympics, aiming for a medal finish. After their impressive run to the semi-finals in the Women’s World Cup in Australia last year, they have high hopes for the Olympics. Support for the team will be strong both in Paris and back in Australia, with their loved ones cheering them on. Here’s a look at the partners of some of the Matildas’ key players:
Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary
Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary have become a prominent couple in Australian sports since they revealed their relationship last year. Fowler plays for Manchester City in England, which keeps her away from Cleary, the star halfback for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL, for much of the year. However, with Fowler’s club season ending in May and Cleary sidelined for 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury, the couple managed to spend about two months together in Australia before Fowler left for Paris. The timing of Cleary’s return to the Panthers and Fowler’s departure for Paris even sparked conspiracy theories suggesting Cleary’s injury was exaggerated to allow them more time together. However, it’s more plausible that the Panthers were cautious with their key player, ensuring he fully recovered before returning to action.
**Mackenzie Arnold and Kirsty Smith**
Mackenzie Arnold met Kirsty Smith while they were both playing for West Ham. The Matildas goalkeeper and the Scottish defender have been in a relationship for a couple of years. However, their time together will decrease moving forward. Arnold recently announced her departure from West Ham and has signed with Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Meanwhile, Smith has re-signed with West Ham, meaning the couple will have to endure a long-distance relationship.
**Katrina Gorry and Clara Markstedt**
Katrina Gorry met Clara Markstedt while playing for Swedish club Vittsjo GIK in 2022. Gorry has since left the club, and Markstedt has retired from professional football to focus on starting a family. The couple recently welcomed their baby boy, Koby Peter David Gorry. The name Peter is a tribute to Markstedt’s late father, who passed away during the Women’s World Cup last year while Gorry was competing for the Matildas. Koby is their first child together, and Gorry also has a three-year-old daughter named Harper.
**Ellie Carpenter and Danielle van de Donk**
Ellie Carpenter got engaged to Danielle van de Donk in January. The couple met while playing for the French club Lyon. Carpenter has been with Lyon since 2020, and van de Donk joined in 2021. They celebrated a significant achievement together, winning the Women’s Champions League trophy in 2022.
The Matildas’ personal lives, filled with supportive and loving relationships, add a personal touch to their professional journeys. Their partners provide a strong support system, encouraging them as they strive for success on the international stage at the Paris Olympics. With these solid foundations behind them, the Matildas are well-prepared to give their best performance and aim for a podium finish.
