Wales record breaker Jess Fishlock announces retirement from international football

Jess Fishlock has announced that she will retire from international football with Wales.

Fishlock, who is Wales’ all-time record goal scorer, as well as being Cymru’s most capped international footballer ever, will play her final game on Saturday October 25^th against Australia in a friendly at Cardiff City Stadium.

The Seattle Reign midfielder made her Wales debut against Switzerland in 2006, and from there has gone on to represent her country 165 times, scoring 48 goals. She helped Wales qualify for their first ever major tournament this summer.

At Euro 2025, Fishlock’s goal against France made her Wales’ first goal scorer at a major competition and made her the oldest player to score at a European Championships.

Her pending appearance at the home of Welsh football will be her 166^th and final game in the red shirt. She will not play in Wales’ second friendly against Poland, which will take place at Rodney Parade on October 28^th.

Ahead of what is set to be an emotional afternoon in Cardiff, Fishlock released the following statement.

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“After nineteen years and the most incredible journey of proudly representing my country, I have made the decision that the match against Australia will be my last one in the red of Cymru.

“From kicking my first ball with my brothers in Llanrumney, football has been in my blood. When I had my debut against Switzerland in Kloten in 2006, never did I imagine I would have the honour of representing Cymru more than 150 times. Every minute was a pleasure, a privilege, and an honour.

“The EUROs was the pinnacle of my footballing career, seeing the dragon on the world stage for the first time will be a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.

“To all the players and staff, past and present, diolch. It has been an incredible journey. The tea has always felt like a family and after all the good and bad times, we finally achieved what we always dreamed of. The seven wise women are now down to five.

“To my friends and family, I love you all. Without the support you have all shown, without you getting me through the difficult moments, I never would have achieved what I achieved.

“To my Mum, a woman whose love and guidance allowed me to chase and reach my dreams. You believed in me before I believed in myself.

“To my wife Tziarra, for learning about our beautiful country and always supporting me and us. Thank you.

“The journey the women’s game in Wales has taken has been incredible and things can only continue to grow. I see so many young girls playing football across Wales now, and the future is bright in our country.

“To all that are involved in the game at both grassroots and elite level in Wales, it is vital that the support continues to be there, and we don’t sit still for one second. Only together we can achieve success.

“The shirt is being passed on in a better place, and that is my biggest achievement of all.

“I can’t wait to see what the future stars of our National Team do with it. I hope you all support them as you supported me, and I can’t wait to join you all in the stands and give our team the backing you always do.

“Diolch am bopeth, diolch to my country.”

Wales will face Australia in a friendly on Saturday October 25^th. The game at Cardiff City Stadium will kick-off at 2pm.

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)