*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 December 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 December 2024
Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne (born 1 February 1989) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF, and formerly for the Australia national team. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Chinese Taipei on 7 December 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game, she extended this record with 169 appearances since her debut in 2006. She continues her club career at Kristianstad.
Early life and education
Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 1 February 1989.[1]
On 7 January 2017, Polkinghorne become the first player to play 100 club games in the W-League, all of which have been played for Brisbane Roar.[5] In December 2020, Polkinghorne re-signed with Brisbane Roar after spending the off-season at Avaldsnes.[6]
Houston Dash (2018–2019)
On 7 June 2018, Polkinghorne signed with the Houston Dash.[7]
Polkinghorne was selected for the Australian Matildas football team which qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Matildas advanced to the quarter-finals with one victory and a draw in the group play. In the quarter-finals they beat Great Britain 4-3 after extra time. However, they lost 1–0 to Sweden in the semi-final and were then beaten 4–3 in the bronze medal playoff by USA.[12]
In February 2023, Polkinghorne became the most capped Matilda ever with her 152nd appearance, after surpassing the previous record set by Cheryl Salisbury. She scored a goal against the Czech Republic in the game.[13]
On 4 June 2024, Polkinghorne was named in the Matildas team which qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her third Olympic games selection.[14]
Retirement
Polkinghorne announced her retirement from international football on 2 October 2024, effective in December, after the Matildas play Brazil in her hometown of Brisbane. She will continue her club career at Kristianstads, at the same time working towards attaining a coaching licence.[15]
Polkinghorne played her second last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Brazil at Lang Park in Brisbane on 28 November 2024, which they lost 3-1 (the goal scored by Caitlin Foord). Polkinghorne's last game for Australia occurred on 7 December, in a 6-0 win against Chinese Taipei held in Geelong.[16] At this date, she is Australia's most capped footballer, with 169 appearances during her career.[16][17]
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