Football Australia CEO, James Johnson expressed his gratitude on behalf of the football community for Williams’ impact on Australian football.

“Lydia’s remarkable career has significantly shaped women’s football in Australia, blending exceptional skill with a passion for progress in the sport. She leaves an indelible legacy that will inspire future generations of indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds.

“It has not only been through her efforts between the posts, with goal saving dives and vibrant leadership on the pitch, but also in her passion to make the sport better through her role as Vice President of the Professional Footballers Australia.”

“Lydia’s CommBank Matildas’ career is truly iconic spanning continents and playing generations. She has given so much to this team and to Australian football and will be long remembered as a legend of the modern game. She has influenced the women’s game in a way that will be felt for generations to come.”

“On behalf of Football Australia, I’d like to express our gratitude to Lydia for her contribution and impact on the CommBank Matildas and look forward to celebrating a distinguished career,” expressed Johnson.

CommBank Matildas Head Coach, Tony Gustavsson said Williams’ presence and career cannot be overstated.

“Lydia truly represents what the CommBank Matildas are all about. Incredible on-field talent mixed with authenticity, warmth, and a desire to leave the game better than she found it.

“Lydia has done all of that and then some more. To be able to play the game at the highest level for close to two decades takes significant commitment, passion and focus to always get one day better. Her story is one that show what is possible with hard work and drive. Just as importantly, Lydia makes others around her better as she willingly and generously shares her experience and knowledge for the benefit of the team.”

“It has been a privilege to be a small part of Lydia’s football journey and I wish her all the best once the next chapter of her life begins. For the moment, we look forward to coming together to acknowledge a stellar career in the upcoming international matches,” remarked Gustavsson.

Football Australia is set to honour Williams at an upcoming fixture against China PR at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Monday, June 3.

LYDIA WILLIAMS STATISTICS AND ACCOLADES | COMMBANK MATILDAS

Statistics

• x5 senior FIFA World Cups (China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015, France 2019, Australia & New Zealand 2023)

• 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

• x6 AFC Women’s Asian Cups

• x2 Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)

• First female Australian goalkeeper to make 100 international appearances

• Second Indigenous football to make 100 international appearances

Awards & Recognition

• 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Title

• 2008 AFF Women’s Championship Title

• x5 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Awards (2010/11, 2011/12, 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20)

• x2 PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year (2011/12, 2015/16)

• x1 W-League Championship title (2011/12)

• x2 W-League Premiership title (2011/12, 2013/14)

• x1 W-League Players’ Player of the Year (2011/12)

• x1 W-League PFA Team of the Season (2016/17)

• 2018 National Women’s Super League Second XI Goalkeeper

• Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

• Deadly Award for Female Sportsperson of the Year (2006)

• International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) AFC Women’s Team of the Decade (2011– 2020)