Matildas star Katrina Gorry has hit “pause” on her football career less than a year out from 2027 World Cup.
The 33-year-old made the surprise call to leave English club West Ham at the end of last season, sparking speculation she could return home to the A-League with her hometown Brisbane Roar.
But Gorry remained without a club prior to her announcement on Thursday.
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“Some of the best chapters in life begin when you take a moment to pause,” Gorry said.
“For now, I’m choosing family and embracing this next chapter with the people I love most.
“This isn’t goodbye — it’s simply a pause. I’m already looking forward to returning to football in 2027 and doing everything I can to earn the chance to wear the green and gold again.”
Gorry last played for the Matildas in the Asian Cup final defeat to Japan on home soil in March.
The midfielder did not clarify whether she intends to return during the upcoming season and in time for the World Cup beginning in late June.
The A-League kicks off in October and concludes with the finals across April and May.
“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, clubs, partners and the incredible fans who have supported me throughout my journey,” Gorry said.
“Your belief in me has meant more than you’ll ever know.
“Thank you for respecting our family’s privacy during this time. I’ll see you back on the pitch in 2027.”
Several Matildas teammates liked Gorry’s post, including Teagan Micah, Clare Wheeler, Steph Catley and Mackenzie Arnold.
Gorry played the majority of her career in Brisbane alongside stints in the United States, Japan, Norway and Sweden before her long-awaited stint in England.
She took advantage of time off during COVID to give birth to daughter Harper and returned to the pitch with the Roar.
Gorry began a relationship with Vittsjo teammate Clara Markstedt during her stint in Sweden, with the latter giving birth to their first child together — son Koby — in 2024.
On the field Gorry quickly made an impression at West Ham, named captain ahead of her first full season at the club.
The prospect of a return to Brisbane always loomed large with Gorry only in February this year declaring “I miss home so much”.
“I’ve got a big family there, lots of nieces and nephews that Harper absolutely adores,” she told 10.
“Australia is definitely going to be home for us. Harper is already talking about all the things she wants to do when she gets home.
“I think just living the Aussie lifestyle again, just being outdoors all the time, I feel like at the moment (in London) it’s indoors all the time, which as an Aussie it’s not that enjoyable.
“So yeah we’re looking forward to getting back home. I’d love to be at home and play for Brisbane again to finish up there. But we’ll see what happens.”
