Jess Fishlock MBE

A tribute to Jess Fishlock MBE, whose retirement from international football was confirmed in mid-October, the day Wales knew was coming but hoped somehow never would. The Seattle Reign midfielder, 38, won a record 166th and final cap in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Australia at the Cardiff City Stadium, wearing the armband once more and leaving the field to an emotional ovation in the closing minutes. Cymru’s all-time leading scorer with 48 goals, Fishlock bowed out competitively at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, where her early equaliser against France in St. Gallen stands as the team’s first goal at a major tournament. The piece runs across a spread with images from her international career.