Matildas legend and new mum Lydia Williams on inspiring young women in sport
Former Matildas goalkeeper, Lydia Williams on championing the next generation of young athletes.
Former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, 37, has swapped the roar of the crowd for the chaos and joys of first-time motherhood.
In January 2026, she welcomed her baby, sharing the news on Instagram with the simple, heartfelt caption: “Welcome to the world.” She also revealed her little one’s name: Coen Ronald Anne Williams.
As she settles into life as a new mum, Lydia may have retired from football, but she hasn’t stepped away from the sport that shaped her. She’s still championing women in sport and inspiring the next generation, proving that the lessons she learned on the pitch – resilience, courage, and believing in yourself – apply just as much to life off the field.
How Lydia Williams is empowering young female athletes
Looking back at your career, which moments are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the moments when I pushed through doubt, inconsistency, and injury because it built resilience and reinforced my belief that the mind is more powerful than the body. I’m also proud of the friendships I made and of leaving the sport in a much stronger position than when I first entered it.
You’re a proud Indigenous woman and role model. How do you hope younger generations will see and understand your legacy?
I hope younger generations see a part of themselves in my journey. That they feel strong and confident in their identity and can represent their family, culture, and themselves in ways that bring peace, joy, and happiness.
You’re partnering with Midea during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. What excites you most about celebrating female leaders in sport?
Celebrating female leaders is helping pave the way for meaningful change. Female athletes are some of the most powerful role models today, and seeing them recognised in inspiring ways is so important.
The World Cup showed how powerful women’s football can be in inspiring the next generation, and support from brands such as Midea helps ensure that momentum continues – not just for elite players, but for young girls who now see a future in the game.
It’s such a special moment for women’s football in Australia, and I’m proud of the role I’ve played in showing how sport can bring people together and inspire young girls to believe they belong on the biggest stages.
What advice would you give young girls dreaming of a career in sport?
Always do your best. Leave every training session or game with a smile and the opportunity to learn. Learning from mistakes is one of the most important things for growth, and celebrating the wins is the most fun.
Midea is the proud official supporter of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and one of the world’s largest home appliance and smart home technology companies. Check out their product range, available now at Bing Lee.
