In the world of sports, the ability to choose when and how to retire is often a luxury reserved for the fortunate few. For Mary Fowler, a star player for the Matildas and Manchester City in England’s Women’s Super League, the dream of life after soccer includes a serene farmhouse, a vegetable patch, and a top-tier coffee machine. However, at just 22 years old, Fowler’s journey in football is far from over.
Fowler’s career faced a significant hurdle when she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during April’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. This injury forced her to confront the possibility of life without football. “Whenever I’ve been injured, it’s made me appreciate the game even more,” Fowler shares from her Manchester apartment, where she has been based since 2022. Despite the setback, Fowler remains optimistic and focused on her recovery.
Exploring New Horizons
During her time away from the pitch, Fowler has embraced various interests outside of football. In a surprising turn, she made her modeling debut at the L’Oreal Paris Le Defile, a runway event celebrating diversity in beauty. Trading her football boots for Chloe heels and a Christian Siriano gown, Fowler walked alongside renowned figures such as Kendall Jenner and Helen Mirren. Although modeling isn’t a primary career goal, the experience reinforced the importance of women supporting each other.
“If [something] scares you, just show up as yourself and do it anyway,” Fowler says, echoing L’Oreal’s famous tagline, “Because You’re Worth It.” This newfound confidence has also led her to explore projects in the mental health space, including a motivational book for young adults titled Bloom, set to release in November.
Personal Growth and Relationships
Fowler’s journey extends beyond the football field and runway. Her high-profile romance with NRL star Nathan Cleary of the Penrith Panthers is a testament to her ability to balance personal and professional life. While she prefers to keep their relationship private, Fowler shares that they stay connected through their shared love of coffee, often exchanging photos of their homemade creations.
Born on Valentine’s Day 2003 to an Irish father and a Papua New Guinean mother, Fowler’s upbringing was marked by frequent moves and financial challenges. Despite these hardships, her family’s resilience became a source of strength. As a teenager, Fowler sometimes struggled to find relatable role models, drawing inspiration from athletes like Brazilian footballer Marta and US gymnast Simone Biles.
Advocating for Women’s Football
Fowler’s commitment to football is intertwined with her desire to advance the women’s game. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia, highlighted the sport’s rapid growth, yet challenges remain. “In some corners of sport, women are still facing a lot of degrading comments,” Fowler notes. Her experiences have taught her to speak up and advocate for equality.
As she continues her recovery, Fowler is eager to return to the field, driven by both personal goals and a broader mission to elevate women’s football. “I didn’t think I was gonna miss kicking the ball as much as I did,” she admits, expressing her eagerness to play again.
Looking to the Future
While Fowler’s career is currently focused on recovery and future matches, she also dreams of a life beyond the spotlight. “Being in the spotlight has made me really crave privacy,” she confesses. Her aspirations include starting a family and achieving personal fulfillment beyond her athletic accomplishments.
As Mary Fowler continues to navigate her career and personal life, she remains a role model for young women, demonstrating resilience, versatility, and the courage to pursue her passions both on and off the field.
