Melissa Barbieri celebrates 25-year professional milestone

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Australian footballing legend Melissa Barbieri celebrated 25 years of football over the weekend.

Having captained Australia to their 2010 AFC Asian Cup win, and been a part of four Women’s World Cups with the Matildas, Barbieri has experienced an incredible footballing career that doesn’t appear to be slowing down. She is continuing to shine for A-League Women’s side Melbourne City, who currently sit in second place on the table.

“I want girls to play for longer. I want every girl to be able to say, ‘I can play the game that I love for as many years as ‘Bubs’ did’,” Barbieri told Network Ten following City’s A-League Women win over Western Sydney.

“I continue to play because we have got a start, with a good CBA and girls can actually play the sport that they love for a good wage, a decent wage, but we’re not where we can be.

“I want to be able to say to all those little girls out there that want to play soccer for Australia: you can play anywhere in the world, not just for Australia.

“That’s the hope for me. 2023 is going to open up a lot of doors for a lot of people, not just in the game where you’re playing it with the ball at your feet but in administration, in leadership roles, in so many positions.

“Women just need to put their hand up and want to be a part of it and I can’t wait to see where this game grows in the future.”

The occasion marked 25 years since Barbieri first lined up for Victoria Vision against Canberra in the Women’s National Soccer League on February 7, 1997. Since then, she has earned 93 caps for the Matildas and has enjoyed a spectacular career in the domestic competition where she is the oldest player in the A-League Women’s at 41 years old.

It is especially remarkable considering Barbieri began her career as a midfielder, before transitioning to life as a goalkeeper in 2000. And after sitting out 2016-17, Barbieri came out of retirement, and has gone on to become a crucial cog in the City Women’s A-League side this season.

“It’s amazing – you can’t explain how important she is for everyone in the dressing room. Every time someone has debuted for our team, she brings flowers to the girl the next morning. She’s not just a player, she’s not just a mentor, she’s a mother as well,” coach Rado Vidosic said.

“To have her with us, I hope she’s going to stay when I’m 70, so another 10 years and she can be part of this. It’s really remarkable what she has achieved.”

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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