If you’ve lost track of everything she’s been up to, consider this your refresher (and yes, we’re massive Mary fans at Missing Perspectives if you can’t tell – sorry not sorry).
In April, Fowler stopped the hearts of soccer fans around the world when she ruptured her ACL during Manchester City’s Women’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. For many athletes, an injury of that scale would mean a huge hiatus and a career pause: but not for Fowler, who has already returned to action – demonstrating the resilience and ambition that has defined both her upbringing, and career.
Since debuting for the Matildas at just 15 (yes, FIFTEEN), Fowler has become one of the brightest stars in Australian sport. She’s represented her country on the world’s biggest stages – from the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the Olympics – while winning over fans around the globe with her creativity, power, and versatility.
Off the field, her influence has grown just as fast. In 2023, she was the second most Googled Aussie and named The Daily Telegraph’s “most influential woman in Australian sport” – and we’re not surprised. With Fowler’s Papua New Guinean and Irish heritage shaping her outlook, Fowler is leading a new generation of athletes who are as inspiring off the pitch as they are killing it on the field.
But somehow….Fowler has managed to make even ***more*** history. If you missed it: Fowler became the first professional footballer to walk in L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé runway show during Paris Fashion Week, joining Kendall Jenner and other major global ambassadors at the event. Just casually.
In a statement, Fowler said that walking down the runway was “exhilarating.” “Stepping onto the runway was an exhilarating experience and different from anything I’ve experienced on the football pitch,” she said. “To walk alongside such inspiring figures, representing L’Oréal Paris, reinforced my belief that beauty is about embracing who we truly are and the confidence that comes with it. I hope every young woman watching, especially back home in Australia, felt that sense of empowerment and is inspired to embrace their individuality and walk with pride, knowing they are worth it.”
Fowler told Harper’s BAZAAR that being the first footballer on the runway was a moment she’ll hold close to her heart. “I want every young woman watching, especially in Australia, to know that you don’t have to fit a mould to be worthy and hope to inspire others to celebrate their individuality and wear their confidence with pride.” What’s not to love? Can this woman get any better!?
As if playing for Manchester City, being a Matildas star, and walking on a runway in Paris for a global brand wasn’t enough, Fowler also has her first book coming this November, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it. Published by Penguin, Bloom promises a closer look at the person behind the headlines and highlight-reel goals.
In a press release, Penguin says that the book blends personal reflections, behind-the-scenes insights from the Matildas’ World Cup run, performance-mindset tools, affirmations, and journaling prompts: offering fans and young athletes alike a guide to resilience, self-belief, and growth.
Honestly, at this rate we need to start a Mary Fowler newsletter to keep up to date with all her achievements. Who’s signing up!?