Meet Fishlock: A 37-Year-Old Footballer in Her Final Campaign
At 37 years old, Jess Fishlock is preparing for what is likely to be her final campaign as a footballer. The midfielder, who currently plays for the Seattle Reign, is determined to help Wales reach their first major finals. With the upcoming qualifiers against Croatia and Kosovo, Fishlock has her sights set on earning her 150th cap.
Fishlock admits that her time as a Wales player may be coming to an end. After Wales’ World Cup qualifying hopes were shattered with a play-off defeat against Switzerland in October 2022, she seriously considered quitting the sport. The loss was devastating, and Fishlock found it challenging to stay strong for the team. When she returned home and confided in her mother, she broke down in tears and expressed her doubts about continuing.
Surprisingly, Fishlock’s mother gave her the support she needed by acknowledging her feelings. This moment of vulnerability allowed Fishlock to process her emotions and ultimately decide to carry on. She woke up the next day with a renewed determination, declaring that she would give it “one more campaign.”
Rhian Wilkinson has taken over as the new coach of the Welsh national team following Gemma Grainger’s departure to manage Norway. Under Wilkinson’s leadership, Wales aims to recover from their heartbreak in the World Cup play-off final against Switzerland. In their group four fixtures of League B, they will face Croatia, Kosovo, and Ukraine as they strive to qualify for the next Euros in Switzerland.
As Wales’ most-capped player, Fishlock believes that the pain of their previous near misses can be used as motivation to finally secure qualification for a major tournament. The team reached the play-off final for the last World Cup, making them aware of their ability and desire to succeed. Each failed attempt has only made them stronger as a squad, and they are driven to avoid the devastating feeling of falling short once again.
Fishlock recognizes the growth that has come from their past experiences, acknowledging that the hardships they faced as a group have pushed them forward. The pain and devastation of defeat serve as a reminder of what they are working towards, fueling their determination to qualify for a major tournament. With the upcoming campaign, Fishlock and her teammates will use the memory of their loss against Switzerland as extra motivation to ensure they do not experience that feeling again.
As Fishlock enters what could be her final campaign, she is ready to give it her all. With the support of her team and the desire to reach their first major finals, Wales has a strong chance of achieving their goals. This campaign represents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to make history. For Fishlock, it is an opportunity to leave her mark on Welsh football and inspire future generations of players.