Cymru’s most capped international footballer and record goal scorer Jess Fishlock has announced that she will retire from international football following Cymru’s match against Australia at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 22 October (KO 2pm).
The influential midfielder confirmed on Wednesday that she has decided to call time on her incredible international career that has seen her set multiple records and inspire countless young girls and boys across the country. It was fitting that her last competitive games for Cymru were on the biggest stage at EURO 2025, as there will simply never be another Jess Fishlock.
The decision marks the end of an era for the Cymru national team and an international career that has set incredible records. The all-time leading Cymru appearance holder and goalscorer across both the men’s and women’s national teams, Fishlock departs as a true legend of the game and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire the next generation.
Fishlock made her senior Cymru debut against Switzerland as a teenager back in 2006. The landscape of the women’s game in Wales and beyond was unrecognisable compared with today, and over the course of the next two decades Fishlock has witnessed immeasurable change and progress both on and off the field.
Jess Fishlock (no. 15) making her Cymru debut against Switzerland in Kloten in 2006
It was in 2017 that Fishlock became the first Cymru international to make 100 appearances for their country. The match against Northern Ireland took place in the humble surroundings of Ystrad Mynach with just a couple of hundred fans in attendance. In 2024, almost 17,000 fans were at the Cardiff City Stadium to watch Fishlock and her side take on the Republic of Ireland.
Few players will have experienced the same level of transition across the women’s game like Fishlock has or ever will. Playing club football for nine different clubs across three different continents, she has remained committed to the national team and has regularly travelled across the world to wear the dragon on her shirt.
“Jess has this fantastic passion for playing for Wales, and she was brilliant for us in that respect,” said former Cymru head coach Jarmo Matikainen, who made Fishlock his captain. “Playing for her country is so important to her. She has this incredible respect for it means to represent her country, and her commitment is admirable.”
Jess Fishlock celebrates scoring on her 100th Cymru appearance
Domestic titles and European trophies have complimented individual and team awards throughout Fishlock’s career, but her sacrifice to continue to push Cymru towards a first major tournament finals was the goal she continued to chase. Campaign after campaign would end in disappointment, frustration and heartache until a memorable December night in Dublin made history.
The play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland sealed Cymru’s place at EURO 2025. Fishlock had previously spoke of trading all her club achievements, including two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, to make it to one major tournament with her country. Ultimately, her talismanic midfield presence played a key role in the success achieved by Rhian Wilkinson’s side.
Although the summer in Switzerland did not go completely to plan for Cymru as a tough group brought three straight defeats, Fishlock did make her mark on the tournament by becoming the first Cymru goalscorer on the biggest stage, and the oldest-ever player to do so at the UEFA Women’s EURO finals.
Jess Fishlock celebrating with her team mates after qualifying for Cymru’s first major tournament. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
“I don’t think you have many players anywhere in the world who are such servants to their nation,” said Wilkinson after the match against France. “She’s at the twilight of her career, and whenever she chooses to call it a day, she has demonstrated what it is to be a proud Welsh woman who will give everything to her country and to her team.”
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-relaxes-in-an-outdoor-hot-tub-wearing-sunglasses-and-a-bright-red-swimsuit-right-a-woman-enjoys-breakfast-on-a-balcon.jpg?id=56569580&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>You don't need to pack your passport to feel like you've landed in a tropical paradise. This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-resort-best-in-canada-montreal">dreamy resort near Montreal</a> is the perfect summer getaway and it'll <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadian-vacation-destination-dupes">transport you straight to Florida</a>, no international travel required!</p><p>If you're looking for a taste of Florida right here in Quebec, consider adding Estérel Resort to your summer itinerary. Just over an hour from Montreal, this lakeside getaway has serious vacation vibes, with <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/road-trip-beach-near-montreal-sand-dunes">sandy beaches</a>, cocktails by the water, and sparkling lakes surrounded by greenery.</p><p>While you can't guarantee the Florida weather (it is still Quebec after all), this place still feels like a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/condo-for-sale-montreal-hidden-oasis">mini tropical escape</a>. Tucked away in the Laurentians, it serves up all the summer energy you'd expect from a beachside Florida vacation. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNYFHZzn0qr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNYFHZzn0qr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When it comes to relaxation, Estérel Resort has you covered. The Lido Thermal spa experience combines luxury and nature, featuring several hot tubs, a polar bath and shower, a dry sauna, a steam sauna (hammam), and even a lakeside barrel sauna. </p><p>You'll also have access to two heated outdoor pools that are open all year (who cares if there's no Florida heat!), and of course, the lake itself is right there, practically begging you to take a dip.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNnEvOnqAE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNnEvOnqAE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>What's more, all these facilities are exclusive to guests staying at the resort, making it feel like your own private oasis.</p><p>If you love having a drink in hand while you're on vacation, the Lido Bar has you covered. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer (weather permitting), it's the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and forget you're just an hour from home.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPi0XiPc3d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtPi0XiPc3d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>You can also take advantage of the resort's two sandy beaches—one on the Émotion side, right in front of the spa, and the other on the Évolution point. Beach chairs are provided, so all you need to do is relax and soak up the sun.</p><p>If you're up for some outdoor adventure, the resort offers summer activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, and biking through the scenic Laurentians. You can even rent a motorboat if you want to spend an afternoon on the water.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chexejbsms0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chexejbsms0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When it comes to accommodations, Estérel Resort has two options. The Évolution Hotel gives off cozy, nature-inspired vibes, with modern suites that feature fireplaces and giant beds. What's more, this building stretches out over Lake Dupuis like a cruise ship, offering breathtaking panoramic views during the summer months.</p><p>The Émotion Hotel, on the other hand, is designed with date nights in mind. Suites come with cozy fireplaces, open bathtubs, and canopy beds— everything you need for a romantic getaway. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPa0trRHZjQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPa0trRHZjQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, no vacation is complete without good food, and the resort has three restaurants that cover all the bases. Le Voilier offers a chill bistro atmosphere with dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, whereas Le ROK lets you cook your own meat, fish, or seafood on hot volcanic stone — plus, the lakeside views make it a dreamy spot for a special dinner.</p><p>There's also the five-course Discovery Menu in the wine cellar for extra special occasions. It's a more intimate dining experience with wine pairings and beautiful views of the Laurentians.</p><p><br/></p><h3>Estérel Resort</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwx_n9WRFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwx_n9WRFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: From $229 per night, per suite</p><p>Address: 39 Chem. Fridolin-Simard, Estérel, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If you're chasing that classic Florida vacation feeling — sun-soaked beaches, cocktails by the water, and endless relaxation — you can actually find it right here in Quebec. You might not get palm trees or ocean waves, but with sandy shores, lakeside views, and a laid-back summer vibe, this is the next best thing!</p><p><a href="https://www.esterel.com/en/" target="_blank">Book via Estérel Resort</a></p><em>These prices and terms of occupancy are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.</em>
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