One of Australia’s biggest names in sport has posted a throwback photo to social media of when they were just a fresh-faced child, can you guess their identity?
The sporting star did a photo dump to Instagram with a series of emojis accompanying the post, which included a diverse range of images.
One of those photos was of the superstar with a cheeky expression when they were three or four years old, or thereabouts.
The sports star only recently announced themselves to the Australian public, becoming a household name in 2023 and continuing to be more popular than athletes that have been around for much longer.
The international superstar published this childhood photo on social media on Tuesday
Their star has risen on both the international and domestic level, inking a deal with a major UK sporting franchise last year.
While she became an overnight celebrity in her chosen sport, this athlete has also become part of a power couple with one of the biggest names in rugby league.
That final hint should be the giveaway – it is Matildas ace Mary Fowler.
The Manchester City forward exploded onto the Australian scene at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has found love with NRL star Nathan Cleary as well.
Fowler was born on February 14, 2003, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, into a football-loving family.
Growing up with four siblings, her passion for the sport was influenced by her older brother, and the family would often play football together at Trinity Beach.
Matildas superstar Mary Fowler included the childhood pic in a photo dump including her stylish new look
Fowler and her boyfriend Nathan Cleary from the NRL side Penrith Panthers have become the country’s sporting power couple
At age 11, Fowler’s family moved to the Netherlands, enhancing her skills through street football before returning to Australia at 14.
She quickly made a name for herself, playing in the NSW Women’s National Premier League, and by age 15, she debuted internationally for the Matildas during the 2018 Tournament of Nations against Brazil.
Fowler’s prodigious talent caught attention early, and at 16, she was selected for the Matildas squad for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite not playing in the tournament, the experience fueled her ambition. She began her professional career with Adelaide United, where she debuted in the 2019-20 season.
Soon after, Fowler moved to France, signing with Montpellier HSC, before securing a contract with Manchester City in 2022, solidifying her presence in the Women’s Super League.
Fowler was always a fan of football, even in rugby league-mad far north Queensland
The 21-year-old now plays for Manchester City and is a an international star for the Matildas
Her international career continued to blossom as she participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring a crucial goal against Great Britain in the quarter-finals.
Fowler’s exceptional performance earned her the PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2022.
By the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Fowler had become a vital player for the Matildas, scoring her first World Cup goal against Canada and helping the team reach the final four in the absence of injured skipper Sam Kerr.
Off the field, Fowler is known for her creativity and love of new cultures, having lived in various countries.
In 2023, her personal life became the subject of media attention when she started dating Cleary.
Their relationship, revealed exclusively by Daily Mail Australia, has since become a topic of public interest, with both athletes maintaining a relatively private yet supportive partnership.
Despite the scrutiny, Fowler remains focused on her career, balancing her commitments with Manchester City and the Australian national team.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk