Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Mary Fowler says she wants to keep enjoying football while continuing to make an impact on and off the field as the Matildas begin preparations for next year’s Women’s World Cup. The 23 year old returns to Australia fresh from a trophy winning season with Manchester City and is now preparing for friendlies against Mexico as attention shifts toward Brazil 2027.
Fowler arrives as one of Australia’s biggest sporting stars.
Her influence now stretches far beyond football.
Yet despite the growing attention, Fowler says staying true to herself remains the priority.
Trophy success caps remarkable comeback
Fowler’s latest return home comes shortly after helping Manchester City secure both the Women’s Super League title and FA Cup.
The achievements marked the first major trophies of her professional career.
They also completed an impressive comeback after recovering from an ACL injury.
“My rehab made up the majority of my season,” Fowler told ABC Sport.
“So I think in that sense, I kind of separated myself a little bit from the team and enjoyed really being a spectator.”
She said celebrating success with teammates after returning made the experience more meaningful.
“I have so much love for the group of girls there.”
“It was really nice to share that moment with them when I did come back.”
Fowler returned only 10 months after suffering the knee injury.
She credits Manchester City’s environment for helping accelerate her recovery.
Life beyond football continues expanding
Fowler’s profile has exploded during the past year.
She became the first professional footballer to walk at Paris Fashion Week.
She released her memoir Bloom.
She also signed a reported $10 million endorsement deal.
The increased visibility has brought greater attention.
But Fowler says she does not allow external achievements to define her.
“I really enjoy doing those things because it also opens my own eyes to seeing myself in a different way,” she said.
“But I never really attach those things to my identity and how I value myself.”
Instead, Fowler says the biggest challenge is maintaining boundaries.
“What does become a bit more challenging is managing expectations of people around you.”
“I think as long as I have that guiding me, then I won’t hopefully lose my way.”
Using platform to connect with others
Fowler’s memoir explored deeply personal experiences.
The book included reflections on racism, mental health struggles and lessons learned during her rapid rise.
She intentionally avoided presenting it as a traditional autobiography.
“I haven’t lived my whole life yet.”
“I just thought of a book that might have been useful for myself to read.”
Researching the book left a lasting impression.
“It touched a part in me where I was like, wow, it’s comforting to know I’m not the only person that was struggling,” she said.
“But it also breaks my heart to know that there’s so many people out there that are struggling too.”
Fowler has since launched creative project My Journal is Full, where she shares stories, photos and artwork.
“I reflect quite a lot on impact and how I can touch people’s lives because of the platform that I have.”
Keeping joy at the centre
Fowler believes her best performances happen when she enjoys the game.
That mindset remains central as the Matildas begin building toward next year’s World Cup.
Her previous major international tournament was the Asian Cup, where Australia reached the final before losing to Japan.
Although proud of the campaign, Fowler admits she still wonders what could have been.
“I am the kind of player that relies a lot on instincts and on trusting myself and trusting my body,” she said.
“I underestimated how much time that would take.”
Now fully back from rehab, Fowler wants to avoid placing excessive expectations on herself.
“I just want to enjoy that.”
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself to be getting stats and getting goals.”
“I always play my best football when I’m really enjoying it.”
As Australia begins another World Cup cycle, Fowler remains focused on balancing elite performance with something she believes matters just as much — enjoying the journey.
