- The goalkeeper made a rare start in her last game for Australia
- He was honored by the pregame presentation that included a surprising guest.
- She burst into tears when she received a special gift from the sports icon.
Australia has given Lydia Williams a touching farewell as the Matildas pioneer prepares to bring down the curtain on her international career.
Williams, the longest-serving player in Australian football, sent the packed Accor Stadium into a frenzy with every touch of the ball during the friendly against China on Monday night.
An honor guard gathered for the 36-year-old before the match when Australian tennis great Evonne Goolagong Cawley presented Williams, a Noongar woman, with a traditional animal skin cape.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Williams’ game came to an end just before half-time when coach Tony Gustavsson opted to bring preferred goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold onto the field.
The 76,798 spectators bid farewell to Williams in her 104th appearance as Matilda with a standing ovation.
Retiring Matildas Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams receives a traditional Booka from Indigenous tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Williams broke down in tears after being shocked by Goolagong Cawley’s presentation of the animal skin cape.
Australian rules football fans turned out in force ready to honor the legacy Williams will leave behind.
Williams will hang up her gloves after the Paris Games, which begin at the end of July and will end a distinguished career wearing the green and gold.
The experienced campaigner has participated in five World Cups, six AFC Women’s Asian Cups (including the 2010 title) and two Olympic Games.
As part of the tribute, Williams also received a Booka cape from tennis great Evonne Goolagong Cawley in a pre-match ceremony.
This Booka, made from the skins of four kangaroos that symbolize Williams’ totem pole, features panels depicting his childhood and career, along with crow footprints and river rocks in honor of his late father.
Artist Lea Taylor created it after secret conversations with Williams’ mother, since preparing the skins is considered a woman’s business.
Australian Matildas teammates hug Williams after the Booka presentation
It was gifted in the field by a Wiradjuri woman to a Noongar woman, with Goolagong Cawley hugging Williams in utter shock to the outgoing Matildas star.
“Receiving that gift from Evonne was just incredible and I think that was probably the moment that shook me emotionally,” Williams said.
‘I don’t know if it’s like the game recognizes the game. It was a lovely moment.
“Many athletes in Australia simply want to leave sport better than when they arrived and don’t realize the impact of how they have shaped the culture of not just women’s sport, but just Australian sport.
“To receive that from an icon like that, a tennis legend, is absolutely humiliating.
“That was kind of the culmination for the kid who grew up in the desert and fell in love with soccer.”
Williams shows a love heart symbol to the thousands of Australian fans who came to watch the match and honor his final game for their country.
The Accor Stadium was also decked out with tributes to Williams, leaving the goalkeeper emotional and honoured.
Williams took the time to meet fans, pose for selfies and sign autographs.
Williams, who made her debut for the country in 2005 as a 17-year-old, has been a crucial figure for the women’s team throughout their rise.
The West Australian was the face of the Matildas players’ strike in 2015, leading the fight to improve working conditions for the national team.
Teammate Clare Hunt praised Williams’ contributions to the sport throughout her 19 years with the Matildas.
“It was just an incredible celebration of everything she has achieved personally in her career, but also for Australian women’s football and women’s football around the world,” Hunt said.
‘It is always a privilege to share the field with Lyds.
“She has very old hair, she’s very mature and she has a lot of experience, so it’s great to be able to be in an environment where you learn from her every day.”