Clare Polkinghorne

Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne (born 1 February 1989) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Chinese Taipei on 7 December 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game, she extended this record with 169 appearances since her debut in 2006. She retired at Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF. Polkinghorne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for "service to football".