Jess Fishlock: Wales legend to retire from international duty

Fishlock started her career with hometown club Cardiff City Ladies – now called Gwalia United – making her first-team debut at 15.

After coming through Wales’ age-group teams, she made her senior debut against Switzerland in 2006.

Games and goals flowed until, in April 2017, Fishlock became the first Wales footballer, male or female, to win 100 caps, the then 30-year-old marking her milestone with a goal in a 3-1 friendly win over Northern Ireland in Ystrad Mynach.

In July 2024 she became her country’s leading international goalscorer, claiming her 45th – beating Helen Ward’s previous mark – as Wales beat Kosovo 2-0 to seal a seeded spot in the European Championship qualifying play-offs.

The crowning point of her career came with Wales qualifying for their first appearance at a major women’s tournament, as Rhian Wilkinson’s side reached the 2025 European Championship.

Although Wales would come away from Switzerland without a win from their three group games, fittingly it was Fishlock who scored their first goal – in the game against France – in the process becoming the oldest scorer in women’s Euro finals history aged 38 years and 176 days.

“From kicking my first ball with my brothers in Llanrumney, football has been in my blood,” Fishlock said.

“When I had my debut against Switzerland in Kloten in 2006, never did I imagine I would have the honour of representing my Cymru more than 150 times. Every minute was a pleasure, a privilege, and an honour.

“The Euros was the pinnacle of my football 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 (thanks). It has been an incredible journey. The team 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.

Fishlock thanked her wife, her former team-mate Tziarra King who she married in 2023, friends and family for their support during her career.

“I love you all, she added. “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.”