Mary Fowler remains in the headlines as one of the most exciting footballers in Australia. Since she had a devastating knee injury and her recovery process was even more remarkable, and her relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary is a high-profile one, there is a lot of Mary Fowler news that is blowing up the Australian sports media. This is a resourceful guide to the most current events, relationship news, and work achievements that the Australian fans are seeking.
Who is Mary Fowler? Understanding the Matildas’ Star
Mary Fowler (born 14 February 2003 in Cairns, Australia) is an Australian professional footballer who plays in the English Women’s Super League (WSL) and the Australian national team, Matildas. Having a variety of backgrounds, her father being of Irish descent, and her mother of Papua New Guinea, Fowler is an eyewitness to international football.
She is only 22 years old and has already been able to accomplish some impressive achievements that make her one of the best young footballers in the world. Her 2024-25 season ended in injury, but in 2022, Fowler was given the Football Association Women’s Super League Team of the Month award.
Latest Mary Fowler News: ACL Recovery and Return Timeline
The Injury and Recovery Journey
Fowler also ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the right knee during the semi-final of the FA Cup of 2025, when Manchester City faced Manchester United. It is a severe injury that usually puts players out of commission up to 12 months, and it is a concern as to whether she would be available to play in the Asian Cup in 2026 in Australia.
But the recent news on Mary Fowler’s injury is also very positive. Fowler is recovering exceptionally fast- he is recovering much faster than the typical recovery schedules would have him. She had already been running on grass in football boots four months after her injury in August 2025.
When is Mary Fowler Returning to Play?
News of a comeback of Matildas striker Mary Fowler was optimistic news unveiled by Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro. In July 2025, the coach said that Fowler was expected to be back in competitive action before November 2025. By October 2025, she was performing very well at the medical facilities of Manchester City.
“She is making a good improvement. I hope she will have some playing time at City by the end of the year”, said Montemurro. This would place Fowler at the right location when the home Asian Cup of Australia began in March 2026.
Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary: Is She in a Relationship?
The Relationship Timeline
Yes, Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary are dating. The NRL superstar and Australian footballer have been dating since the end of 2023, when their relationship was initially ignited by an ice cream date in August 2023.
Cleary and Fowler were in relationships publicly before their officialisation at the end of 2023, when she attended her Olympic qualifiers in Perth with Cleary, holding hands and making appearances together. This has since resulted in their relationship flourishing into a highly profiled sporting couple in Australia.
Long-Distance Love: How They Make It Work
The couple in love are long-distance lovers who are on different continents; Cleary represents Penrith Panthers in Sydney, and Fowler in Manchester. Regardless of geographical barriers, they have managed to keep their relationship working by visiting each other and supporting each other.
In October 2025, when Cleary went to England to watch the Ashes Tests by the Kangaroos, the couple had a humorous clash of schedules. The match of Manchester City on the same day as the second Ashes Test of Australia was scheduled in Liverpool meant that Fowler would have to make a “mad dash” between stadiums to watch her boyfriend play.
Cleary had told the media that “he should be able to see her once they got to Liverpool” after the Wembley victory in Australia. “Unfortunately, but I will see her, so that is the big thing.”
What Does Nathan Cleary Say About Mary Fowler?
Cleary has been pleasantly forthright about their relationship. After a UK journalist referred to him as “boyfriend of Mary Fowler” in the Ashes tour, he replied with humour, “Someone mentioned the same thing to me today. They replied, ‘Oh, nice to see you. By the way, I am more in love with your girlfriend.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, same.'”
He has also credited Fowler with the skyrocketing fame, especially in Europe, where she has become an International icon. The two are so secretive, even though they are celebrities, and promised each other not to allow the media scrutiny to cloud their relationship.
Future Family Plans
Fowler and Cleary have both indicated that they want to have a family in the future. In 2025, Fowler said: “The only dream I have currently is to be a mum and have loads of kids and be in a place where they can play outside a lot.”
Similar sentiments were also echoed by Cleary, who said that fatherhood was “probably my greatest goal in life”. Nonetheless, they both underline the fact that family planning is not an overnight event since they are presently concerned with their sporting careers.
It has even been speculated that Cleary might be able to retire to play in the UK, where he might be closer to Fowler. Clearly responding to such a move stated: “Every three months that article will be published…I am so open to things in the future. Do I wish I were different? But in the meantime, I do not really envision it happening to me.”
Mary Fowler Latest News: Manchester City Contract Extension
Signing Until 2027
Much Mary Fowler news came in October 2025 as she signed a two-year extension of her contract with Manchester City until summer 2027. This extension will be one year, which indicates that the city believes that she is worth much in the long term, even after being injured.
Fowler said that she is committed to the club: “City has been my home a long time now, and to keep this ride with them, I am honoured to do so”. She attributed this positive climate at the club to her growth as a player and an individual.
Her Manchester City Career Achievements
Fowler has been an indispensable part of their team since joining City from French club Montpellier in June 2022. Her numbers speak volumes: 87 appearances, 21 goals and 22 assists. Her season ended in 2024-25 due to an ACL injury, but she remained a vote for the PFA Team of the Month, which is a great accomplishment.
The director of women’s football at Manchester City, Therese Sjogran, commended the progress of Fowler: “She is an amazing talent, yet the fact that she is getting better with every passing year since joining City speaks volumes of her attitude and her off-field efforts.”
Mary Fowler and the Matildas: Asian Cup Hopes
Why She’s Crucial for Australia
Fowler has received 64 Matildas caps and played a major role in the Australian 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, where the team made it to the semifinals. Her goal-scoring skill and play creativity qualify her as an “X-factor”, as perceived by coach Montemurro.
Montemurro said, “She is a special player not only to Australia but also to the whole world. She is that X-factor, and you have to have the X-factors in such tournaments.”
Asian Cup 2026 Campaign
Australia is counting on the recovery of Fowler with the Asian Cup starting at home in March 2026. In the Matildas group, the Philippines, South Korea and Iran will be the opponents. By November 2025, Fowler would have four months of competitive football to reclaim her optimum fitness before the tournament.
Mary Fowler News Today: Additional Career Highlights
Paris Fashion Week Milestone
In another historic event in the history of women’s football, Fowler will be the first professional female football player to make the walk down the runway at Paris Fashion Week in October 2025. This feat highlights her expanding world image outside football.
Recognition and Awards
In 2022 and 2024, Fowler was made the champion of Young Woman Footballer of the Year in Australia. Her technical flexibility, such that she can play as a false nine, as a midfielder, or as a winger, renders her indispensable to any team.
FAQs About Mary Fowler News
Is Mary Fowler married?
No, Mary Fowler is not married. By the end of 2023, she will be in a confirmed relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary.
How old is Mary Fowler?
Mary Fowler was born on 14 February 2003; she is 22 years old.
Is Mary Fowler injured?
Fowler damaged his ACL in April 2025, yet he is making an incredible recovery. Before November 2025, she is likely to be back in competitive play.
Why isn’t Mary Fowler playing for the Matildas?
In April of 2025, Fowler is coming back after having an ACL injury. She will be back to take part in the Asian Cup that will take place in March 2026.
What is Mary Fowler’s nationality?
Mary Fowler is Australian. She plays for the Matildas on the international front on behalf of Australia.
Conclusion: Mary Fowler’s Bright Future
The Mary Fowler news is still of great interest in the Australian media in the fields of sports and entertainment. It is her amazing recovery rate after sustaining an injury, her relationship with Nathan Cleary or her success at Manchester City that makes Fowler one of the most discussed athletes in Australia.
With her anticipated move into competitive soccer, there is a meteorically rising anticipation of the 2026 Asian Cup campaign. The fans of the Matildas will be able to look forward to Fowler being on the field again, both with Manchester City and representing Australia in the international arena. Stay informed about the recent news of Mary Fowler to read about her entire career path and personal achievements.
