Welcome back to Matildas Abroad, where I analyse the performances of all the Aussies playing overseas.
This week was the second last week of professional European women's football for the year, wrapping up in mid December before returning in mid January. Apologies for the late release by the way, I was too tired last night.
America (USL Super League) — Harding & McLean return
Sophie Harding (centre) training for Fort Lauderdale United after an end to her hiatus. Image source: Instagram (@ftlutd).
This week was the second last week of the USL Super League for the year before it returns in early February. This week also marked the return of two former A-League stars.
Morgan Aquino played a full 90 minutes in goals for DC Power as they drew 2–2 away to Lexington SC. DC Power sit eighth on the table, which is second last for those unfamiliar with the American second division (which does not have promotion and relegation).
Sophie Harding returned to action for Fort Lauderdale United in their 1–1 draw away with Sporting Jacksonville, coming on as a sub in the second half to play her second game of the season and her first since November. Maddy McComasky was an unused substitute. United are fifth and thus outside the playoffs spots but only marginally, as they're only one point behind both Carolina Ascent in third and Dallas Trinity in fourth.
Charlotte McLean, who previously departed North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, appears to have made her loan at Tampa Bay Sun permanent and has finally returned to action. She came on as a sub in their 3–0 away loss to Brooklyn FC for her sixth appearance of the season, though it appears she was pretty mediocre in a performance that pales in comparison to her performances at Sydney FC. The Sun sit bottom of the table in ninth place and four points behind DC Power in eighth.
England (WSL & Women's FA Cup) — Kerr scores, but did Foord?
Everyone, including herself, thought that Caitlin Foord (centre) scored Arsenal's second goal in their 3–1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. It turns out it was actually Alessia Russo who scored it with an assist from Kim Little. Image source: Instagram (@onlywomensfootball).
This week was the last week of the WSL until mid January next year, but the Women's League Cup will conclude the year mid next week.
Arsenal once again kicked off the week, winning 3–1 away over Everton. We got a true Aussie derby with all three of Arsenal's Aussie trio Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord starting for Arsenal and Clare Wheeler starting for Everton. Steph and Wheels both were subbed off while Caitlin and Kyra played the full match. There was a big debate though of who scored the Gunners' second goal to put them back in front. While it was initially claimed as Caitlin's, it was later awarded to Alessia Russo in her 100th WSL game, with even her saying in an interview that she thought it was Cait's goal. The Gunners sit third on the table and only two points behind Chelsea, but are still eight points behind Man City.
Sam Kerr (in front) taking a selfie with Aussie Chelsea fans after Chelsea's 3–0 win over Brighton away. The Blues are coming to Australia on 12 August 2026 to face the A-League Women All Stars at Allianz Stadium as part of the Sydney Super Cup, following Arsenal's successful match against the All Stars in Melbourne two years ago. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcwomen and @matildas).
Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 3–0 win away over Dario Vidošić's Brighton, with Ellie Carpenter playing the full 90 minutes for the Blues, but as a right midfielder as opposed to her usual right-back role. Sam Kerr came off the bench and bagged an assist for the Blues, while Charlize Rule came on as a sub for the Seagulls. Chelsea remain second on the ladder but are still six points behind Man City.
Emily van Egmond played a full 90 minutes for Leicester in their crucial 1–0 win over London City, with Alanna Kennedy missing from the Lionesses' squad. Meanwhile, league leaders Man City, while still without Mary Fowler, tore Aston Villa apart 6–1 at home, one goal for each point they are clear at the top. Katrina Gorry captained West Ham to a 2–2 at home with Liverpool in a battle between the two favourites for 12th place (which this season equals a spot in the relegation playoff).
Clare Hunt (pictured) warming up for Tottenham, who fought hard for 70 minutes before a Spursy collapse saw us draw 3–3 away with Manchester United. We are still yet to beat Man U outside a friendly in the women's game. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
Now time for my club, Tottenham. An injury-struck Spurs side got a 3–3 draw with Man United away this week, a result I see in two ways: on one hand it's impressive that we got a point off a top team, especially with so many injuries, but it's frustrating that we managed to bottle a 3–0 lead, even if it was two top players with prominent trophy cabinets that scored against us. As for the Aussies, Clare Hunt played a good full 90 while Charli Grant is still out with an injury. We face Man United again next week in the League Cup.
Now for the table: Man City sit six points clear up with Chelsea in second place and just two points above Arsenal in third to round off the Champions League spots. Spurs are in fifth but only a point behind United and two points behind Arsenal, while London City, while London City are sixth, Brighton are seventh, Aston Villa are eighth, Leicester are ninth and Everton are 10th. West Ham are 11th but still only two points above Liverpool in 12th who are still yet to win a game this season.
In the third round of the FA Cup, Tanya Oxtoby managed Newcastle United in their 4–0 win over non-league side Liverpool Feds (no relation to Liverpool FC) and retains her 100% win record in her second game in charge. The Magpies now advance to the fourth round of the competition.
France (Première Ligue) — Micah benched in huge win for Lyon
Teagan Micah (pictured) did not feature for Lyon on the weekend. Image source: Instagram (@ol.lyonnes).
In France's Première Ligue, Teagan Micah was an unused sub for Lyon in their 7–0 destruction of Le Havre away. Lyon still have a 100% winning record in the league 10 games in and are five points clear of PSG at the top. Indeed, Lyon have only conceded five goals all season in the league, less than any team in the Big Six leagues except Barcelona, though neither Barça nor Lyon have much competition in their respective leagues.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Rankin's Hoffenheim closer to Europe than Raso's Frankfurt
Jamilla Rankin (left) played a full 90 minutes for TSG Hoffenheim as they beat RB Leipzig 3–2 away. Hoffenheim are fighting for a European spot. Image source: Instagram (@tsghoffenheimfrauen).
The Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga were in their second last week of the year this week before the Christmas break observed by women's football leagues in Europe.
Anna Margraf is still out injured for Carl-Zeiss Jena and was not in the matchday squad for their 1–0 away win over Cologne, crucial for their relegation battle. Jena are still last place but are only one point away from second last Hamburg and only three points away from avoiding relegation.
Jamilla Rankin played a full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in their 3–2 away win over RB Leipzig. The win sees Hoffenheim move up to fourth place and four points behind Werder Bremen, with both sides aspiring for European football.
Hayley Raso came on as a late sub for Eintracht Frankfurt in their 2–2 draw with Union Berlin this morning. A frustrating draw against a team they should've beaten, Die Adler now sit sixth on the ladder and six points behind a European spot. It's still a major worry for Ras though, as she still lacks game time and could very well leave in June as she has done from Man City, Real Madrid and Tottenham in the past three seasons.
In the 2. Bundesliga, Alana Murphy was substituted on for Sand in their 2–0 away loss to Stuttgart in a first vs second clash. Both teams ended up swapping places, Stuttgart going first and Sand going second, but two teams get promoted to the Bundesliga. Sand are two points clear of Meppen in third and now two points behind Stuttgart in first. Speaking of Meppen, Lara Kirkby started but was subbed off for Bochum in their 1–0 away loss to Meppen. Bochum sit in eighth place.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Chidiac scores her first goal for Como, Sassuolo get a crucial win
Alex Chidiac (pictured) scored her first goal for Como as she opened the scoring in their 3–1 loss at home to Fiorentina. Image source: Instagram (@comowomen):
This week was the last week of the Serie A for this week and the second last for Italian football in general with the Coppa Italia next week. However, there's less of a wait as Roma take on Juventus in the Supercoppa on 12 January at 1:00am AEDT in what should be a cracker!
Alex Chidiac scored her first goal for Como this week (the first by an Aussie in Italy for many years) in their 3–1 away loss to Fiorentina. Chids started, scored the opener with an assist from a great corner and was eventually subbed off for Como. Como dropped from second all the way down to sixth place in what is an ever so tight table with the exception of Roma.
Speaking of Roma, E Giallorosse secured a 2–0 win over last placed Ternana, though Wini Heatley did not play and was an unused sub. Roma remain in first place but extend their lead to five points clear of Fiorentina.
To wrap it all up, Jess Nash played a full 90 minutes for Sassuolo while Jacynta Gala started but came off as a sub in a crucial 1–0 win over Genoa away from home. The win, while narrow, sees Sassuolo move up a place to ninth and are now five points clear of relegation.
Scotland (SWPL 1) — Hibs suffer another setback, Aberdeen suffer heavy defeat
Despite starting in last weekend's Scottish Cup match against Dryburgh Athletic, Milly Boughton (pictured) is yet to start a SWPL 1 match for Hibernian. Hibs were disappointed with a 1–1 draw away to Montrose to add insult to injury as they lie 10 points behind first place. Image source: Instagram (@hibernianwomen).
This week was the second last week of the SWPL 1 for the year, and it was a horrible week for the Aussies.
Milly Boughton was an unused sub for Hibernian as they suffered a major blow to their hopes of defending their title, drawing 1–1 away with Montrose as they go three games in a row without a win (a loss and two draws). Hibs are now fifth on the ladder and 10 points behind Glasgow City in first place. Described a young talent, yet never getting game time, she has never played in the A-League so there's a chance she may come and do so.
Emma Ilijoski played a full 90 minutes for Aberdeen as they suffered a tough 4–0 away loss to Celtic. Aberdeen sit ninth on the ladder but are luckily seven points clear of relegation as Hamilton have lost every game this season so far and have thus accumulated zero points.
Transfer Talk — Berryhill returns to Australia, Ibini and Simon may do so as well
Western Sydney Wanderers announced the signing of Chloe Berryhill (pictured) on Friday, and she made her debut for the club in their 2–1 home loss to Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women on Sunday. Image source: Instagram (@wswanderwomen).
We should see more transfer announcements come over the Christmas and New Year break but Chloe Berryhill has officially left Serie B side Como and joined Western Sydney Wanderers after she was rarely played at Como in less than half a season there. She has just announced that she will be officially retiring at Wanderers at the end of the season (not the ideal place for someone to retire as it's Wanderers). Congrats on a great career Chloe and good luck with whatever comes next!!
Princess Ibini at Beşiktaş and Kyah Simon at Dijon may also leave and return to the A-League before the transfer window closes, having also spent less than half a season at their respective clubs on the bench. Or, potentially, they could move to another European league and diversify the mixture of clubs we cover in Matildas Abroad, but I think a return to the Dub is most likely (or perhaps retirement for Kyah).
Hayley Raso looks like she'll leave in June (rather than January) and hop to another club as usual, but to somewhere in Europe obviously as her talent is too good for the A-League. Personally all I want is for her to be happy and starting consistently.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (pictured), a central defensive midfielder (CDM), may be forced to leave Arsenal after Switzerland captain and Juventus defensive midfielder Lia Wälti revealed in an interview that she left Arsenal as they did not want or need a defensive midfielder. Image source: Instagram (@arsenalwfc).
Meanwhile, Kyra Cooney-Cross is at a crossroads with her contract expiring in June but needing more game time for the Asian Cup in March. While she has gotten a bit more game time now at Arsenal, it was recently revealed by Swiss former Gunners' midfielder Lia Wälti, who left to join Juventus at the end of last season, that manager Renée Slegers did not need a defensive midfielder, a position that Kyra also plays.
Still no rumours for Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen or Kaitlyn Torpey, who were all released by their clubs last month (Amy and Remy from Kristianstad and Torps from Portland Thorns). However, it seems unlikely that Torps will stay in the NWSL, and there's a chance we could see Cortnee Vine leave North Carolina Courage too.
Milly Boughton is still being left on the bench to do nothing at Hibernian, despite the English-born Young Matilda being described as a promising young prospect. She went through the English academy systems of West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal (having played League Cup games for the former two) as well as a brief spell at Ipswich Town on loan. Having never played in the A-League before, I think it might be beneficial for her to return home (to a better league than the SWPL anyway).
Aivi Luik (pictured) has extended her contract with reigning Damallsvenskan champions BK Häcken for another year. She is now 40 years old. Image source: Instagram (@bkhackenofcl).
Now for some big news in the Damallsvenskan, 40-year-old veteran defender Aivi Luik has signed a one year contract extension with reigning Swedish champions BK Häcken and will play her 22nd season of football in 2026. The question remains though: will she get one last dance with the Matildas before her inevitable retirement?
Player of the Week — Alex Chidiac
Alex Chidiac (left) celebrates after scoring for Como against Fiorentina on the weekend. Image source: Instagram (@tmjwf).
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Alex Chidiac for her goal against Fiorentina! Well done Chids!!!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for the final midweek wrap-up of 2025 on Friday and the final weekly wrap-up of 2025 on Monday! As always feel free to comment any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you enjoyed and found this useful!
This week was the second last week of professional European women's football for the year, wrapping up in mid December before returning in mid January. Apologies for the late release by the way, I was too tired last night.
America (USL Super League) — Harding & McLean return
Sophie Harding (centre) training for Fort Lauderdale United after an end to her hiatus. Image source: Instagram (@ftlutd).
This week was the second last week of the USL Super League for the year before it returns in early February. This week also marked the return of two former A-League stars.
Morgan Aquino played a full 90 minutes in goals for DC Power as they drew 2–2 away to Lexington SC. DC Power sit eighth on the table, which is second last for those unfamiliar with the American second division (which does not have promotion and relegation).
Sophie Harding returned to action for Fort Lauderdale United in their 1–1 draw away with Sporting Jacksonville, coming on as a sub in the second half to play her second game of the season and her first since November. Maddy McComasky was an unused substitute. United are fifth and thus outside the playoffs spots but only marginally, as they're only one point behind both Carolina Ascent in third and Dallas Trinity in fourth.
Charlotte McLean, who previously departed North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, appears to have made her loan at Tampa Bay Sun permanent and has finally returned to action. She came on as a sub in their 3–0 away loss to Brooklyn FC for her sixth appearance of the season, though it appears she was pretty mediocre in a performance that pales in comparison to her performances at Sydney FC. The Sun sit bottom of the table in ninth place and four points behind DC Power in eighth.
England (WSL & Women's FA Cup) — Kerr scores, but did Foord?
Everyone, including herself, thought that Caitlin Foord (centre) scored Arsenal's second goal in their 3–1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. It turns out it was actually Alessia Russo who scored it with an assist from Kim Little. Image source: Instagram (@onlywomensfootball).
This week was the last week of the WSL until mid January next year, but the Women's League Cup will conclude the year mid next week.
Arsenal once again kicked off the week, winning 3–1 away over Everton. We got a true Aussie derby with all three of Arsenal's Aussie trio Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord starting for Arsenal and Clare Wheeler starting for Everton. Steph and Wheels both were subbed off while Caitlin and Kyra played the full match. There was a big debate though of who scored the Gunners' second goal to put them back in front. While it was initially claimed as Caitlin's, it was later awarded to Alessia Russo in her 100th WSL game, with even her saying in an interview that she thought it was Cait's goal. The Gunners sit third on the table and only two points behind Chelsea, but are still eight points behind Man City.
Sam Kerr (in front) taking a selfie with Aussie Chelsea fans after Chelsea's 3–0 win over Brighton away. The Blues are coming to Australia on 12 August 2026 to face the A-League Women All Stars at Allianz Stadium as part of the Sydney Super Cup, following Arsenal's successful match against the All Stars in Melbourne two years ago. Image source: Instagram (@chelseafcwomen and @matildas).
Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 3–0 win away over Dario Vidošić's Brighton, with Ellie Carpenter playing the full 90 minutes for the Blues, but as a right midfielder as opposed to her usual right-back role. Sam Kerr came off the bench and bagged an assist for the Blues, while Charlize Rule came on as a sub for the Seagulls. Chelsea remain second on the ladder but are still six points behind Man City.
Emily van Egmond played a full 90 minutes for Leicester in their crucial 1–0 win over London City, with Alanna Kennedy missing from the Lionesses' squad. Meanwhile, league leaders Man City, while still without Mary Fowler, tore Aston Villa apart 6–1 at home, one goal for each point they are clear at the top. Katrina Gorry captained West Ham to a 2–2 at home with Liverpool in a battle between the two favourites for 12th place (which this season equals a spot in the relegation playoff).
Clare Hunt (pictured) warming up for Tottenham, who fought hard for 70 minutes before a Spursy collapse saw us draw 3–3 away with Manchester United. We are still yet to beat Man U outside a friendly in the women's game. Image source: Instagram (@spurswomen).
Now time for my club, Tottenham. An injury-struck Spurs side got a 3–3 draw with Man United away this week, a result I see in two ways: on one hand it's impressive that we got a point off a top team, especially with so many injuries, but it's frustrating that we managed to bottle a 3–0 lead, even if it was two top players with prominent trophy cabinets that scored against us. As for the Aussies, Clare Hunt played a good full 90 while Charli Grant is still out with an injury. We face Man United again next week in the League Cup.
Now for the table: Man City sit six points clear up with Chelsea in second place and just two points above Arsenal in third to round off the Champions League spots. Spurs are in fifth but only a point behind United and two points behind Arsenal, while London City, while London City are sixth, Brighton are seventh, Aston Villa are eighth, Leicester are ninth and Everton are 10th. West Ham are 11th but still only two points above Liverpool in 12th who are still yet to win a game this season.
In the third round of the FA Cup, Tanya Oxtoby managed Newcastle United in their 4–0 win over non-league side Liverpool Feds (no relation to Liverpool FC) and retains her 100% win record in her second game in charge. The Magpies now advance to the fourth round of the competition.
France (Première Ligue) — Micah benched in huge win for Lyon
Teagan Micah (pictured) did not feature for Lyon on the weekend. Image source: Instagram (@ol.lyonnes).
In France's Première Ligue, Teagan Micah was an unused sub for Lyon in their 7–0 destruction of Le Havre away. Lyon still have a 100% winning record in the league 10 games in and are five points clear of PSG at the top. Indeed, Lyon have only conceded five goals all season in the league, less than any team in the Big Six leagues except Barcelona, though neither Barça nor Lyon have much competition in their respective leagues.
Germany (Frauen-Bundesliga & 2. Frauen-Bundesliga) — Rankin's Hoffenheim closer to Europe than Raso's Frankfurt
Jamilla Rankin (left) played a full 90 minutes for TSG Hoffenheim as they beat RB Leipzig 3–2 away. Hoffenheim are fighting for a European spot. Image source: Instagram (@tsghoffenheimfrauen).
The Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga were in their second last week of the year this week before the Christmas break observed by women's football leagues in Europe.
Anna Margraf is still out injured for Carl-Zeiss Jena and was not in the matchday squad for their 1–0 away win over Cologne, crucial for their relegation battle. Jena are still last place but are only one point away from second last Hamburg and only three points away from avoiding relegation.
Jamilla Rankin played a full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in their 3–2 away win over RB Leipzig. The win sees Hoffenheim move up to fourth place and four points behind Werder Bremen, with both sides aspiring for European football.
Hayley Raso came on as a late sub for Eintracht Frankfurt in their 2–2 draw with Union Berlin this morning. A frustrating draw against a team they should've beaten, Die Adler now sit sixth on the ladder and six points behind a European spot. It's still a major worry for Ras though, as she still lacks game time and could very well leave in June as she has done from Man City, Real Madrid and Tottenham in the past three seasons.
In the 2. Bundesliga, Alana Murphy was substituted on for Sand in their 2–0 away loss to Stuttgart in a first vs second clash. Both teams ended up swapping places, Stuttgart going first and Sand going second, but two teams get promoted to the Bundesliga. Sand are two points clear of Meppen in third and now two points behind Stuttgart in first. Speaking of Meppen, Lara Kirkby started but was subbed off for Bochum in their 1–0 away loss to Meppen. Bochum sit in eighth place.
Italy (Serie A Femminile) — Chidiac scores her first goal for Como, Sassuolo get a crucial win
Alex Chidiac (pictured) scored her first goal for Como as she opened the scoring in their 3–1 loss at home to Fiorentina. Image source: Instagram (@comowomen):
This week was the last week of the Serie A for this week and the second last for Italian football in general with the Coppa Italia next week. However, there's less of a wait as Roma take on Juventus in the Supercoppa on 12 January at 1:00am AEDT in what should be a cracker!
Alex Chidiac scored her first goal for Como this week (the first by an Aussie in Italy for many years) in their 3–1 away loss to Fiorentina. Chids started, scored the opener with an assist from a great corner and was eventually subbed off for Como. Como dropped from second all the way down to sixth place in what is an ever so tight table with the exception of Roma.
Speaking of Roma, E Giallorosse secured a 2–0 win over last placed Ternana, though Wini Heatley did not play and was an unused sub. Roma remain in first place but extend their lead to five points clear of Fiorentina.
To wrap it all up, Jess Nash played a full 90 minutes for Sassuolo while Jacynta Gala started but came off as a sub in a crucial 1–0 win over Genoa away from home. The win, while narrow, sees Sassuolo move up a place to ninth and are now five points clear of relegation.
Scotland (SWPL 1) — Hibs suffer another setback, Aberdeen suffer heavy defeat
Despite starting in last weekend's Scottish Cup match against Dryburgh Athletic, Milly Boughton (pictured) is yet to start a SWPL 1 match for Hibernian. Hibs were disappointed with a 1–1 draw away to Montrose to add insult to injury as they lie 10 points behind first place. Image source: Instagram (@hibernianwomen).
This week was the second last week of the SWPL 1 for the year, and it was a horrible week for the Aussies.
Milly Boughton was an unused sub for Hibernian as they suffered a major blow to their hopes of defending their title, drawing 1–1 away with Montrose as they go three games in a row without a win (a loss and two draws). Hibs are now fifth on the ladder and 10 points behind Glasgow City in first place. Described a young talent, yet never getting game time, she has never played in the A-League so there's a chance she may come and do so.
Emma Ilijoski played a full 90 minutes for Aberdeen as they suffered a tough 4–0 away loss to Celtic. Aberdeen sit ninth on the ladder but are luckily seven points clear of relegation as Hamilton have lost every game this season so far and have thus accumulated zero points.
Transfer Talk — Berryhill returns to Australia, Ibini and Simon may do so as well
Western Sydney Wanderers announced the signing of Chloe Berryhill (pictured) on Friday, and she made her debut for the club in their 2–1 home loss to Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women on Sunday. Image source: Instagram (@wswanderwomen).
We should see more transfer announcements come over the Christmas and New Year break but Chloe Berryhill has officially left Serie B side Como and joined Western Sydney Wanderers after she was rarely played at Como in less than half a season there. She has just announced that she will be officially retiring at Wanderers at the end of the season (not the ideal place for someone to retire as it's Wanderers). Congrats on a great career Chloe and good luck with whatever comes next!!
Princess Ibini at Beşiktaş and Kyah Simon at Dijon may also leave and return to the A-League before the transfer window closes, having also spent less than half a season at their respective clubs on the bench. Or, potentially, they could move to another European league and diversify the mixture of clubs we cover in Matildas Abroad, but I think a return to the Dub is most likely (or perhaps retirement for Kyah).
Hayley Raso looks like she'll leave in June (rather than January) and hop to another club as usual, but to somewhere in Europe obviously as her talent is too good for the A-League. Personally all I want is for her to be happy and starting consistently.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (pictured), a central defensive midfielder (CDM), may be forced to leave Arsenal after Switzerland captain and Juventus defensive midfielder Lia Wälti revealed in an interview that she left Arsenal as they did not want or need a defensive midfielder. Image source: Instagram (@arsenalwfc).
Meanwhile, Kyra Cooney-Cross is at a crossroads with her contract expiring in June but needing more game time for the Asian Cup in March. While she has gotten a bit more game time now at Arsenal, it was recently revealed by Swiss former Gunners' midfielder Lia Wälti, who left to join Juventus at the end of last season, that manager Renée Slegers did not need a defensive midfielder, a position that Kyra also plays.
Still no rumours for Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen or Kaitlyn Torpey, who were all released by their clubs last month (Amy and Remy from Kristianstad and Torps from Portland Thorns). However, it seems unlikely that Torps will stay in the NWSL, and there's a chance we could see Cortnee Vine leave North Carolina Courage too.
Milly Boughton is still being left on the bench to do nothing at Hibernian, despite the English-born Young Matilda being described as a promising young prospect. She went through the English academy systems of West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal (having played League Cup games for the former two) as well as a brief spell at Ipswich Town on loan. Having never played in the A-League before, I think it might be beneficial for her to return home (to a better league than the SWPL anyway).
Aivi Luik (pictured) has extended her contract with reigning Damallsvenskan champions BK Häcken for another year. She is now 40 years old. Image source: Instagram (@bkhackenofcl).
Now for some big news in the Damallsvenskan, 40-year-old veteran defender Aivi Luik has signed a one year contract extension with reigning Swedish champions BK Häcken and will play her 22nd season of football in 2026. The question remains though: will she get one last dance with the Matildas before her inevitable retirement?
Player of the Week — Alex Chidiac
Alex Chidiac (left) celebrates after scoring for Como against Fiorentina on the weekend. Image source: Instagram (@tmjwf).
This week's Player of the Week award goes to Alex Chidiac for her goal against Fiorentina! Well done Chids!!!
Conclusion
That's all for this week, but stay tuned for the final midweek wrap-up of 2025 on Friday and the final weekly wrap-up of 2025 on Monday! As always feel free to comment any questions or to discuss the weekend's matches. Thanks for reading, hopefully you enjoyed and found this useful!
