The mark Jess Fishlock has left on women’s football is indelible. Over the course of a glittering international and domestic career, she quickly became a fan favourite for Wales and NWSL club Seattle Reign.
Fishlock is undoubtedly the greatest player to play for Wales Women. Having made her debut in 2006, she made 166 appearances for the national side and scored 48 goals, both national records. She was also the recipient of five Wales Player of the Year awards.
It was fitting that Fishlock scored Wales’ first goal at a major tournament, when she put them in front against France in a 4-1 defeat at Euro 2025. She had been an integral part of the national team. Her final bow against Australia was bittersweet, the result not in Wales’ favour but a proud moment for Fishlock personally.
Her domestic career is just as special. Playing for Seattle Reign, she won three NWSL Shields in 2014, 2015 and 2022. In 2021, she won the Most Valuable Player Award whilst appearing in the NWSL Best XI five times.
Alongside her time in America, she had an important loan spell at Lyon where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She has also played for other European clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt and Glasgow City and spent time in Australia with both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory.
But as she calls time on her international football career, there’s no doubt that her off-field activities have been impactful as well. Fishlock has been an advocate against human trafficking and her work with It’s A Penalty has helped people to understand its impact.
Fishlock has been supported by other footballers in her work with the charity, such as Manchester City defender Leila Ouahabi, which further highlights the unification of footballers against this widespread problem.
She has also campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights in football and has worked tirelessly to help implement these rights into the game. Her admirable work has not only seen positive results but has brought her personal milestones too. She was awarded an MBE for her advocacy and her drive for inclusivity in the 2018 Honours List.
Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has made a major impact on the game. She has worked hard to ensure football is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Former teammate Helen Ward praised her actions in an interview with The Guardian, describing her as “an icon for the country” and that “she transcends the game.”
Fishlock is one of the most influential footballers to wear the Wales shirt and as she retires, she leaves behind a powerful legacy that will hopefully continue to inspire many others to follow in her footsteps both on and off the pitch. She has cemented herself as a leader, legend and a true icon of the game.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/24/trailblazing-jess-fishlock-set-to-sign-off-legendary-career-for-wales-in-style
