Sporting stars like Jess Fishlock, the all-time leading scorer for the Wales women’s national football team, are drawing attention. She is getting ready to make her first appearance in a big international tournament! At 38 years old, Fishlock is still one of the most important players to her club, the Reign, and national team. Her journey with Wales, which began in 2006, has been marked by perseverance and dedication, culminating in the upcoming Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland.
This summer represents a dream realized for Fishlock and her colleagues. Having qualified in breathtaking fashion with wins over Slovakia in the semi-final and Republic of Ireland in the final play-off, they’ll be playing in their first major international tournament. Fishlock’s contributions have been instrumental throughout this journey, and she credits Wales’ manager, Rhian Wilkinson, who took over in February 2024, for guiding the team to this historic achievement.
Fishlock’s impact extends beyond the pitch. She is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community, having come out publicly at a young age in a time when such disclosures were rare in Wales. She does not shy away from the spotlight, relishing the opportunity to be visible. It’s a necessary move to promote a more welcoming culture within the game of football.
A Legacy of Achievement
She holds the most caps and goals for the national team since making her debut for Wales over a dozen years ago, Jess Fishlock. Her record shattering proves her talent and dedication as an athlete. As she prepares for Euro 2025, she understandably first rejoiced when Wales qualified. That relief just as quickly transformed into pure joy and pride!
“But I never wanted to really walk away without achieving this with my country. It has really been the motivation for the last few years, so being able to still be around for it is truly the biggest gift I could ever have had.” – Jess Fishlock
Not a single thing can shake Fishlock’s commitment to her country and its footballing destiny. She argues that competing in international competitions is key. Beyond that, she believes it’s important to keep pushing for systemic, structural changes to the sport.
“We can go to the Euros, a World Cup, I can play football, but none of that really matters if there’s no fundamental, structural change that football is for everybody and we have been able to change that in Wales.” – Jess Fishlock
Just like Tegan, she’s started a new journey with the national team. This experience inspires her passion for developing the next generation of Welsh sportsmen and women.
Commitment to Inclusivity
As an LGBTQ advocate, Fishlock has been instrumental in shifting attitudes toward the LGBTQ community in and through football. So she chose to come out publicly as well—to be her true self, authentically. Beyond the spotlight on her achievements, she hoped to promote the acceptance and understanding within the sport.
“I came out publicly when I was very young and in Wales, it just wasn’t heard of. I made a point of doing it in a BBC article because it was important to me that views changed. Since then, I’ve been a big advocate of that.” – Jess Fishlock
Fishlock recognizes that visibility matters. She believes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel less alone and encourage more inclusive practices in football.
“Bringing visibility to the LGBTQ community has been a huge one.” – Jess Fishlock
Her advocacy work perfectly fits with her mission of changing the narrative around women’s football in Wales.
“Also being part of a group that has changed the view of what football is and who it’s for. Changing the language and messaging around women’s football and creating that legacy in Wales where mindsets and investments have changed. There’s nothing bigger than that.” – Jess Fishlock
Through her work, Fishlock wants to create a space where athletes of all backgrounds and identities can be truly welcomed and celebrated.
The Road Ahead
As we turn our gaze towards Euro 2025, Fishlock’s enthusiasm for the beautiful game is infectious. At 46 years old, she has no intention to slow down. Her commitment to staying in the best shape possible by learning more about rest, recovery, and load management speaks volumes.
Fishlock still hasn’t made up her mind on what retirement from football should look like for her post-Euro 2025. She admits that her passion for the game is something that will continue to draw her to football in some way.
“Maybe coaching, maybe a general manager role or sporting director. I feel like I would thrive in those areas because I don’t know if I could trust myself on the sidelines. I would probably get in trouble all of the time.” – Jess Fishlock
Her abiding love for Wales is still inspiring her as she gears up for this landmark event.
“I miss Wales all the time. I always say to my wife, ‘I need to get home for a couple of days.’ I just need to feel it. There’s nothing like Wales. We’re just different people, we really are.” – Jess Fishlock
Fishlock’s journey is a true testament to her phenomenal ability as an athlete. It expands upon her commitment to making a meaningful impact on and off the field in football and her community.
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