FOOTBALL

From Queensland to the world’s biggest stage, Mary Fowler is what you get when a creative, free spirit meets the hopes of a nation. A true midfield maestro. The kind that can unlock any defence with ease. Mesmerising dribbles, passes and goals that leave your jaw on the floor are all part of the Fowler show. Just 20-years-old, her footballing journey has taken her to all corners of the globe. From New South Wales to Manchester via Montpellier. But this summer, she’s back Down Under for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ "Watching Mary Fowler at her best is pure joy. She plays with freedom." - Becky, UK. While she's a budding artist off the pitch, the green grass is her canvas too. And it’s no surprise those talents have taken her right to the very top. Forged in Cairns, tailor-made for international football’s lofty heights, her stints through the youth ranks made her one to watch, but at the Olympic Games, she truly took her place centre stage. "It was hard to look past Fowler at the Olympics. Especially in the quarter-final." - Pokuah, Australia VOICE OF THE FAN: "It was hard to look past Fowler at the Olympics, especially in the Quarter Final. Her best performance for the national team… So far at least. In that moment, it was like seeing the future first-hand. Rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s greatest and, at times, looking like the best of the lot.Grabbing a goal too. That touch and turn, that was special." - Pokuah, Australia That game might have been played nearly 5000 miles away from Australia, but the shockwaves were certainly felt back home. A young star in the making, stamping both her name and her country’s on the footballing map. "She’s an ambassador for not just Australian multiculturalism, but football’s too." - Tom, Australia And that’s where the beautiful game really works its magic. Seeing one of your own walk out onto that pitch, representing the team you love and doing things with a football you never thought were possible. "Having made her international debut at just 15-years-old, she’s racked up a fair chunk of caps ever since. It just illustrates how exciting the future of football here is." - Tom, Australia Now add in a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on home soil, and Fowler’s level of skill… The magic is growing.

Great players seize the moments that matter, but superstars go one step further. Alessia Russo belongs to that second category. A striker with more than just an eye for goal. Russo has an eye for the spectacular. Award-worthy finishes that get you on your feet; constantly tiring defenders with an endless bag of tricks. Like a football version of the eye of the storm, her style of play just pulls you in. And the fans that watch her week in and week out want you to know why this summer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Alessia Russo will be impossible to ignore. “She's relentless. Non-stop for 90 minutes.” - Harriet, UK And it’s her creative flair that makes Russo a true entertainer when she has the ball at her feet. Whether it’s rejecting simple goals in favour of the breathtaking, or her unorthodox road to the top. There’s always a surprise in store. "One minute you can be calm, just watching the midfield play around with the ball and the next minute, you’re up on your feet cause she’s running in on goal in an opportunity that feels like it’s been sprung out of nowhere.” - Tom, UK She went from Charlton to the top of English football via a stop in North Carolina to rise through the American college ranks. The only thing that wasn’t a shock with Russo was how easy she’d adapt to the international stage. A hit from the get-go. “I think her star power was clear to most of us after the back-heel against Sweden.” - Drew, UK VOICE OF THE FAN:"That moment is when we knew she was one of those very rare players. Most would’ve looked for a pass after the deflection fell to her feet. In that moment, it was like seeing the future first-hand. Not Russo, she, on the biggest stage decided to pull off what seemed impossible to the rest of us. One of those memories that will never leave you."- Drew, UK Her European Championship win on home soil, created a summer of memories. Yet, so many point to that one goal as the image that sums up her whole journey. An initial deflected shot that didn’t lead to disappointment, but instead turned into something special. Replayed over and over for months on end, the moment Alessia Russo pulled a whole nation into her footballing storm. “You could be sat in a stadium full of thousands of people, but she just draws you in” - Melissa, UK Since then, Alessia Russo has had English fans on the edge of their seats. Even when she’s chasing domestic trophies, there’s a constant anticipation for what magic she might pull off next. ”She makes you feel like it’s just you and her. One-on-one. When I watch Alessia play, I’m at my happiest.” - Melissa, UK This is what sets great players apart from those that are truly special. This is what makes Alessia Russo one to watch. The eye of the storm is heading FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ this summer.

Some may argue it takes a midfielder years to master their craft, but Lena Oberdorf is the exception to that rule. Just 21-years-old yet born for football’s biggest stage. With the ball at her feet, Lena runs the show. Her passes aren’t just hits, they’re signed, sealed and delivered to her teammates. Leaving no blade of grass uncovered. Even in her own words, she’s wise beyond her years: “I don’t recognise I’m 20. I feel when I’m on the pitch that people see a 28-year-old player.” And those that have followed Lena from the start want you to know that this wonderkid isn’t just the future, she’s taking over here and now. Starting with this summer's FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. “With Lena, the future couldn’t be in safer hands” - Kevin, Munich When a player celebrates those same tackles just like a goal, you know you’ve got a winner amongst your ranks. Someone who understands how the small details contribute to winning the biggest honours. Take her performances at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022™, earning Young Player of the Tournament but playing like a seasoned veteran. Leading by example in a way only a future captain can. "I'm delighted every time she goes into a duel. It's unusual to celebrate duels in this way, but with Lena Oberdorf, you can’t help yourself. Her will to win and one-on-one strength, it's the reason we’re all looking forward to the World Cup." - Kevin, Munich But for so many, the signs of a player destined for the top were clear even earlier than that. “16-year-old scoring two goals and controlling the game, It’s crazy to think how fast she’s grown into the player she is today. That game will forever stick with me." - Jasmina, Germany VOICE OF THE FAN: “It was simple from the start. On her German top flight debut, in fact. A few experts already predicted she’d be special, but that was the first time I really thought 'Wow, she’s a talent'" - Tiziana, Germany From making her FIFA Women’s World Cup™ debut at 17 – receiving her call-up whilst in school and passing her exams during that very tournament - to adding the first pieces of silverware to her trophy cabinet. The writing was on the wall. And the influence of her success on the pitch is stretching far beyond the white lines. “She inspires not only me, but thousands of young girls” - Tiziana, Germany Initial predictions for Lena were that the sky was the limit. But now, her sights are set even higher. Because mastering your craft at just 21 enables you to redefine how your role is played. Inspiring your age mates doesn’t just cement your legacy, it can define a generation’s." “Even though she is still so young, she is already facing her third major tournament. She inspires not only me, but thousands of young girls who dream of becoming a pro one day. Her journey is proof of where trusting your talent can lead you in life.” - Janis, Germany Heading to this year's FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ with the support of millions cheering on her every move. Lena Oberdorf is shooting for the stars, just like she’s always done.

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