Jess Fishlock to finish Wales career at Cardiff friendly with Australia

Jess Fishlock will bring her international career to a close when Wales host Australia at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, 25 October. The 38-year-old leaves as Wales’ record appearance maker and top scorer but will continue to play for club side Seattle Reign.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson praised Fishlock as a “generational player” and said the former midfield linchpin can choose any path she likes after retirement. Fishlock has completed coaching qualifications, received an MBE for services to women’s football and the LGBT community, and has hinted at a possible future beyond the pitch.

“The world is her oyster,” said Wilkinson. “Who am I to say anything to what Jess wants to do?

“I think that is one of the scary moments at the end of this footballing career, when the world is in front of you and it’s something I wouldn’t want to pigeonhole.”

Wilkinson urged patience as Fishlock moves on to the next chapter. “Whatever she does, I’m sure she’ll do incredibly well with it. She is a generational player who has given everything for her country,” she said.

“She’s being recognised worldwide, which is appropriate for how much she’s loved playing for Wales and how much she’s given to do that. But it can’t be summed up.

“She’s a player that we’ll miss hugely, but I’m glad we’ve got one more game with her in the squad.”

This friendly is Wales’ first match since Euro 2025, the nation’s major tournament debut. Fishlock was central to qualifying for that historic finals and described representing Wales at the Euros as a lifelong dream achieved.

Wilkinson said the home fixture was scheduled deliberately to give players the chance to finish their international careers on familiar ground.

“This was always the plan,” said Wilkinson. “After the major tournament, to schedule a friendly against fantastic opposition at home in Cardiff, for any players that might have wanted to retire, I think that was a nice thing to know that was on the schedule or on the horizon.

“So they didn’t have to play the last Nations League game and think ‘was this my last time playing in Wales?’ They knew there was always going to be a home game after the tournament where they could make a decision. That was important for me.”

Another figure being marked at the Cardiff match is Kayleigh Barton. Barton, who won 89 caps for Wales, announced her retirement from all football in August and is now coaching Saltdean United. She will not play in the Australia friendly but Wilkinson said the occasion is an opportunity to recognise her contribution.

“We had lots of conversations. It’s such a private moment when someone makes that final decision, and she she’s being really good about it,” Wilkinson added.

“She hasn’t had any knee-jerk moments. She’s taken her time, she’s had lots of conversations with loved ones, and then when she was ready, it was very clear for her.

“I just get to sit in the chair at that moment when she does decide to retire, which is a privilege for me to be able to do that. But we do need to recognise Kayleigh Barton as well. These two women have given so much.

“To sit there on the other end of the phone when they make that decision, it’s not easy to hear, but also I’m hugely appreciative of everything they’ve done.”

Fans will have a final chance to applaud Fishlock in Wales colours next Saturday. For Wilkinson the match is both farewell and celebration — a fitting end to a long international career.