Jess Fishlock, Wales’ all-time top-scorer and record holder for caps and goals, is still doing it on the pitch. As she nears her last milestone, she shines in the national and global arena. At 38, Fishlock’s creating waves on the pitch just like she is off it. She’s been an increasingly important player for the Reign and the Wales Women’s national team. Her illustrious career will culminate this summer with Wales’ debut in a major international tournament at the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Since her debut in 2006, Fishlock has dedicated herself to the sport and her country, achieving numerous records and accolades. This summer will be a historic experience, not only for her, but for the Welsh side as well. They’re looking forward to a battle they have never lost. Fishlock has fantastic leadership from head coach Rhian Wilkinson. She took over as manager of Wales in February 2024 and led them to this historic success.
Fishlock’s professional journey has been life-altering. It has continued to shatter visibility and representation records for the LGBTQ community in the professional sports world. Coming out publicly at a young age in Wales, she has actively contributed to changing perceptions around LGBTQ athletes and women’s football. Her legacy-making mindset goes far beyond just her individual achievements, as it illustrates a hunger for new structural changes in football.
A Historic Achievement for Wales
Fishlock’s influence on the field is undeniable. She played a huge part in Wales qualifying for Euro 2025. Her hard work paid off with a stunning double victory against Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. These achievements have filled the hearts of Welsh fans with hope and pride who have waited decades to feel this way.
Looking back on this historic accomplishment, Fishlock said how thankful she was to be part of Wales’ football history. “I never wanted to really walk away without achieving this with my country,” she said. That’s honestly been the inspiration for the past several years and just to be able to still be here for that is literally the greatest blessing I possibly could have ever received.
As she prepares for the tournament, Fishlock emphasizes the importance of not only competing but fostering a broader understanding of what football represents. She’s convinced as a collaborative creator that success can best be measured by how comfortable you make people feel.
“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,” Fishlock stated.
Embracing Change and Visibility
Fishlock’s story is intimately connected to her advocacy for the LGBTQ community. You have to be at peace with who you are. During her formative years in Wales, coming out was not the norm — or even safe. She wanted to inspire the public to question cultural expectations. Her objective was to prompt a paradigm change in how we perceive and understand LGBTQ people in sports.
“Bringing visibility to the LGBTQ community has been a huge one,” she noted. Beyond her on-field skills, her advocacy inspires every single one of those young players. They admire her as a role model and know that success in sports and beyond is possible, regardless of who they are.
Plus, for Fishlock, she’s very much aware of how she’s contributed to changing the perception and value of women’s football. She seems dead set on making all the right investments to bring focus to women’s sports. Her hope is that when young girls look to the future they dream of playing in any league without impediments.
“Also being part of a group that has changed the view of what football is and who it’s for,” she said. “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.”
A Future Beyond Football
As Fishlock looks ahead to Euro 2025, she remains focused on her performance while contemplating her future after football. No plans to retire any time soon though, she says she prioritizes rest and recovery in order to keep her body functioning at an elite level. And over the last few years, she’s learned what her body needs to be fit and ready.
“These last three or four years have seen me take time to understand more about what my body needs to be prepared and fresh,” Fishlock explained. Her determination to prioritize self-care sets the tone for her to be at the top of her game both on and off the pitch.
Fishlock’s aspirations extend beyond playing. She sees herself continuing to make an impact in football beyond just her playing career. Once her playing career is complete, she may seek out coaching or front office positions.
“Maybe coaching, maybe a general manager role or sporting director,” she expressed. “I feel like I would thrive in those areas because I don’t know if I could trust myself on the sidelines.”
Beyond her professional ambitions, Fishlock is quick to stress her emotional bond with Wales. The little country will always have a special place in her heart, inspiring her love for her community and her country.
“When you’re from a small nation, you have to care differently,” she stated. “I don’t think you can explain Welsh passion to anybody. It’s in our blood, our DNA.”
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