Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne (born 1 February 1989) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF, and formerly for the Australia national team. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Brazil on 28 November 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game on 28 November 2024 retained this record, with 168 appearances since her debut in 2006.. She continues her club career at Kristianstad.

Early life and education

Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 1 February 1989.

Club career

INAC Kobe Leonessa

For the 2014 season, Polkinghorne was loaned to INAC Kobe Leonessa in Japan.

Portland Thorns

Polkinghorne signed for Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League after the 2015 World Cup. Portland Thorns waived Polkinghorne in February 2016.

Brisbane Roar

On 7 January 2017, Polkinghorne become the first player to play 100 club games in the W-League, all of which have been played for Brisbane Roar. In December 2020, Polkinghorne re-signed with Brisbane Roar after spending the off-season at Avaldsnes.

Houston Dash (2018–2019)

On 7 June 2018, Polkinghorne signed with the Houston Dash.

Vittsjö GIK (2021–2023)

Polkinghorne signed for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Vittsjö GIK on 19 March 2021.

Kristianstads DFF (2024–)

On 25 December 2023, Polkinghorne joined Kristianstads DFF for the 2024 Damallsvenskan season.

International career

Polkinghorne first represented the Australia national team in 2006 and has played more than 160 matches, scoring 16 goals. She played in both the 2007 World Cup and 2011 World Cup and was an unused squad member during the 2015 World Cup. Polkinghorne was selected for the Australian Matildas football team which qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Matildas advanced to the quarter-finals with one victory and a draw in the group play. In the quarter-finals they beat Great Britain 4-3 after extra time. However, they lost 1–0 to Sweden in the semi-final and were then beaten 4–3 in the bronze medal playoff by USA. In February 2023, Polkinghorne became the most capped Matilda ever with her 152nd appearance, after surpassing the previous record set by Cheryl Salisbury. She scored a goal against the Czech Republic in the game. On 4 June 2024, Polkinghorne was named in the Matildas team which qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her third Olympic games selection.

Retirement

Polkinghorne announced her retirement from international football on 2 October 2024, effective in December, after the Matildas play Brazil in her hometown of Brisbane. She will continue her club career at Kristianstads, at the same time working towards attaining a coaching licence. Polkinghorne played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Brazil at Lang Park in Brisbane on 28 November 2024, which they lost 3-1 (the goal scored by Caitlin Foord). At this date, she is Australia's most capped footballer, with 168 appearances during her career.

Career statistics

International goals

Honours

Queensland Sting Brisbane Roar Australia Individual