Holding one of the most decorated CVs in Australian football history, Lydia Williams' off-field efforts have been recognised with one of the country's most prestigious honours in the world game.
The Noongar goalkeeper and Matildas icon was awarded the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Alex Tobin OAM Medal earlier this week.
She joins elite company within the list of recipients, including Socceroos legends Mark Viduka, Mark Schwartzer, Harry Kewell.
The medal is handed to past or current players who the PFA, the sport's national trade union and players' association, recognises as demonstrating 'leadership, achievement as a player, commitment to fellow professionals, and service and dedication to the game' much like its namesake.
The PFA describes the Alex Tobin OAM Medal as its most prestigious honour. Williams is the 12th recipient of the award, and only the third woman to win it.
"When I first started playing football it was to find a place that I could belong, a place that I could push myself mentally and physically and a place that I could contribute to leave it better than when I arrived," Williams said this week.
"My footballing family became my family and it was incredible to celebrate with them last night.
"Thank you to everyone throughout my career that has helped me reach my potential from beginning til end."
Williams earned over 100 caps with the national team, keeping at five World Cups, two Olympic games and helping the Matildas to lifting the 2010 Asian Cup trophy before retiring in 2024.
Her former teammates compete in the Asian Cup final in Sydney on Saturday night.
Across a two-decade career, she graduated from domestic clubs to joining the likes of Brighton, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in Europe, before ending her career back at home with Melbourne Victory.
In 2025 she was named Trailblazer of the year at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards.
Williams is a two-time winner of the PFA Women's Footballer of the Year, and previously served as PFA Vice President.
Among off-field exploits, her efforts in securing the Matildas pay equality and National Teams Collective Bargaining Agreement were acknowledged.
"Lydia's impact on football in Australia is immense," PFA chief executive Beau Busch said.
"Over the past two decades, Lydia made history by leading her teammates through the first strike by a national sporting team in the country's history.
"During her time on the PFA Executive over the last decade, Lydia played a critical role in securing equal pay for the Matildas and Socceroos in 2019, and was instrumental in the landmark 2023 National Teams Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"Many people say they want to leave the game in a better place than they found it, but there is no question that Lydia has delivered an extraordinary and lasting positive impact."
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Busch added Williams will continue to shape football for future generations.
Melbourne Victory managing director Caroline Carnegie said Williams continues to stand as a "leading figure of the world's game" while the club's director of football added he is among "the most important figures in the history of the game in Australia and someone with whom it is a privilege to work".
"Across three decades, she has re-defined what it means to be an Australian footballer. As a player...As a goalkeeper, she took the position to another level with her combination of athleticism, skill and courage," she said.
"As a leader and advocate, she captained her country with distinction and ensured that future generations of players could thrive."
