Matildas star Cortnee Vine opens up on going from relative unknown to playing cricket with Albo at his place – and the one thing she LOVES hearing from fans

Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine has revealed just how much life has changed following her World Cup heroics in the penalty shoot-out win against France at the Women’s World Cup.

Vine, 25, was a virtual unknown heading into the tournament on home soil, but that changed dramatically after she guided Australia into the semi-finals.

Speaking at the launch of the A-League men’s and women’s competitions on Tuesday in Sydney, the winger said she is now often recognised in the street and embraces being a role model for young female footballers.

‘To be the face of the [ALW] competition has taken some getting used to, it hasn’t sunk in to be honest,’ Vine said.

‘Last week I flew on a helicopter to a remote island in Queensland for a promotional video and the next day played cricket with Albo (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) at Kirribilli House.

Vine showed nerves of steel to slot home the match sealing penalty in the shootout win against France in August (pictured)

‘It has been a crazy ride recently, but I am loving my football journey.’

Vine made her ALW debut for Brisbane Roar aged 16, and then enjoyed stints at Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.

But it was her move to Sydney FC in 2020 where she became a breakout star which culminated in her first Matildas cap last year.

Her electrifying pace and ability to glide past players saw Tony Gustavsson name Vine in his World Cup squad and she didn’t look out of place against the best women’s players on the planet.

Now she is the marquee for the Sky Blues ahead of the season kicking-off on October 14 and admitted she is often thanked by fathers for inspiring their daughters.

‘Everyone gets around me, they are so welcoming,’ she said.

‘Until I got out of the World Cup bubble (after the semi-final defeat against England) I didn’t really grasp just how many people were watching our games across the nation.

‘It hasn’t changed me though, I am still down to earth and looking forward to a big season with Sydney FC.’