In the world of sports, the ability to choose when and how to retire is a luxury afforded to few athletes. For Mary Fowler, a star of the Australian national soccer team, the Matildas, and a key player for Manchester City in England’s Women’s Super League, the future ideally includes a peaceful farmhouse, a vegetable patch, and a top-tier coffee machine. At just 22, Fowler’s career is still in its early stages, but recent challenges have prompted her to consider life beyond the pitch.
The announcement comes as Fowler recovers from a significant injury. In April, during the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), forcing her to confront the possibility of life without soccer. “Whenever I’ve been injured, it’s made me appreciate the game even more,” Fowler shared via Zoom from her Manchester apartment, where she has lived since 2022. Despite the setback, she remains optimistic and engaged with her passions outside of football.
Exploring New Avenues
Fowler recently ventured into the world of fashion, making her catwalk debut at the L’Oreal Paris Le Defile, an event celebrating diversity in beauty. Trading her football boots for designer heels, she joined the ranks of L’Oreal ambassadors like Kendall Jenner and Helen Mirren. Although modeling isn’t her primary focus, the experience reinforced the importance of women supporting each other. “Women just celebrating each other … lifting each other up in general and admiring what another woman is doing, rather than feeling envy,” she reflected.
Her involvement with L’Oreal, which began in 2024, was a step outside her comfort zone. Despite initial nerves, Fowler embraced the challenge with guidance from Canadian model Coco Rocha. She emphasized the value of authenticity, saying, “If [something] scares you, just show up as yourself and do it anyway, you know? Like, who cares? It’s your life, and if you have that opportunity, you’re getting it because you’re worthy.”
Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Growth
Fowler’s injury has also provided her with time to focus on mental health initiatives. She is working on a motivational book for young adults titled Bloom, set to release in November. Reflecting on her teenage years, she noted, “I struggled with finding how I fit in and trying to keep up with all the beauty standards that were out there.” She recognizes the increased pressures faced by today’s youth and aims to offer guidance and support through her book.
Her personal journey includes learning to find confidence beyond her athletic achievements. “I’ve been questioning myself: ‘Why is it that I feel most confident in my work? Why don’t I feel like that in general?’” Fowler explained. This introspection has led her to explore how her appearance and self-care routines can unlock inner strength.
Balancing Public and Private Life
Despite her public persona, Fowler values her privacy, particularly in her relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary. While she prefers to keep their romance out of the spotlight, she shared how they maintain their connection through shared interests, like coffee-making. “I have a full-on make-it-yourself machine,” Fowler said, expressing pride in her budding barista skills.
Born to an Irish father and Papua New Guinean mother, Fowler’s upbringing was marked by frequent moves and financial challenges. Her family’s resilience has been a source of strength, and her diverse background, including fluency in Dutch, has shaped her perspective.
Looking Ahead
Fowler’s aspirations extend beyond soccer. She dreams of a future where she can balance her career with personal fulfillment, including starting a family. “My sporting dream was to go to the Olympics, and I’ve been lucky enough to do that, and the only other dream I’ve ever had was to start a family,” she shared.
As she continues her recovery, Fowler remains committed to advancing women’s soccer and challenging gender stereotypes in sports. “Women are still facing a lot of degrading comments,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of speaking up against such biases.
With her return to the field anticipated by January, Fowler is eager to rekindle her passion for the game. “I didn’t think I was gonna miss kicking the ball as much as I did,” she admitted. Her journey reflects a dedication to both personal growth and professional excellence, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.
