Matildas star Katrina Gorry welcomes new baby into the world with partner Clara Markstedt

Aussie footballer Katrina Gorry and her partner Clara Markstedt have welcomed a baby boy into the world, meaning that the Matildas’ unofficial mascot Harper now has a little brother.

Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday and the couple announced the exciting news in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

The name includes a touching tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt, who passed away during last year’s World Cup. 

‘Big sister is absolutely in love and our hearts are so full,’ they wrote. 

Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday and big sister Harper (pictured left) is ‘in love’ with her new brother

Gorry’s teammates, including Charli Grant, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold sent messages of congratulations on social media.

The West Ham midfielder is recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery in March and ended her WSL season.

But Gorry has been included in Tony Gustavsson’s selection for Paris 2024 and is hoping to train with the team soon.

As worried as she has been about recovering in time, Gorry says the impact the injury is having on her life as a mother is more upsetting.

‘It’s tough being injured while being an athlete but I’ve found over the past two weeks that it’s tougher being an injured parent,’ she posted to Instagram in April.

‘The disappointment in Harper’s voice when I can’t come to the playground with her or just do the simplest of things like wipe her when she’s finished on the toilet, chase her around the house or just let her climb all over me.

‘She doesn’t understand why and her emotions have been so big because of it.

‘It’s definitely taught me to be grateful for my health and to never take the small things for granted.’

Gorry’s Matildas teammates sent messages of congratulations on social media

The baby’s name includes a touching tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt

‘Sometimes Instagram can be just a highlight reel so today I decided to go real & raw. To all the parents out there doing it tough or sitting with guilt, you got this, these feelings are only temporary.

‘A smile like this makes everything feel OK.’

Gorry and Markstedt were teammates at Swedish club Vittsjo GIK, but have since relocated to London after the Matilda signed for English club West Ham United.

Earlier this year, Gorry and Markstedt announced their engagement, with the plan to get married at Hamilton Island come 2025.

‘We are going to try to keep it as traditional and beautiful as we can,’ Gorry said.

‘A lot of the Matildas have been my family for a long time so they were so excited for me. ‘I’d love to have them there.’