Five years ago, Australian striker Michelle Heyman quietly retired from international football, ending her journey on a subdued note.
However, on Thursday, the 36-year-old will take the field with the Matildas as they launch their Olympic campaign, a moment being celebrated as one of the sport’s most remarkable comebacks.
Heyman, who had a record-breaking season in the domestic league, becoming the first player in A-League Women history to exceed 100 goals, caught the attention of Matildas coaches seeking to fill the void left by an injured key player.
Heyman’s return is now viewed as Australia’s best chance to score in France.
“Some may think I’m too old to be back,” she said, addressing detractors. “But it’s fun to prove them wrong… age is just a number.”
From Burnout to the Olympic Stage
Heyman’s path back to the team mirrors her earlier rise in 2010, when stellar A-League performances propelled her into the national squad at just 21.
During her career, Heyman played 61 matches and scored 20 goals for the Matildas, participating in the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, although her early international experience was fraught with challenges.
At that time, the Matildas faced poor pay and a toxic team environment, leading to the dismissal of their coach in 2019.
Public support was scarce, with many matches lacking spectators due to insufficient ticket sales.
Heyman also battled physical and mental health issues, discussing her struggles with anxiety and injuries that hindered her performance.
The Road to Redemption
By May 2019, Heyman was fatigued and injured, leading to her decision to step away from international football.
She expressed regret over not achieving her Olympic dream but later revealed she was dropped from the team, stating, “I pretended I wanted to retire, but I was actually fired.” This led to her departure from the A-League and a seemingly premature end to her career.
However, just 18 months later, Heyman made a triumphant return, scoring a hat-trick in her first A-League match back.
“I missed being part of something bigger than myself,” she reflected.
Since then, she has surpassed other players in goal-scoring and garnered multiple awards, solidifying her status as one of the league’s most outstanding players.
When Olympic selections were announced, Heyman was at her peak, ready to contribute significantly.
The announcement of her return sent shockwaves through Australian sport, with commentators suggesting it may be one of the most significant comebacks in recent history.
“It was a day I’ll never forget,” she recounted, noting the emotional impact of the announcement.
The Matildas’ popularity has soared, eclipsing even Australia’s men’s cricket team, with all home matches selling out and record viewership for televised events.
Heyman recalls her debut, contrasting it to the crowds cheering at recent games. “Back then, there were maybe 12 people at my first match,” she reminisced, now grateful for the immense support.
She feels that her triumphs are also shared with past players, saying, “I carry the hopes of all the former players with me.”
Regarding the pressure of competing in France, especially without a key player, Heyman remains optimistic. She believes that both she and her teammate can make valuable contributions in their unique ways.
“I’ve been scoring consistently, and I’m ready to deliver,” she affirmed.
As the Matildas prepare for a challenging group stage against formidable opponents, including the USA, Heyman’s resilience and determination are set to inspire her teammates.
“Those who doubt us can keep quiet,” she concluded confidently. “The more support we have, the better we’ll perform. We’re committed to winning for our country.”
