Football Australia is proud to unveil a new commemorative initiative to honour the rich history and legacy of the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos. In addition to receiving their official international caps, past national team players will now also be awarded a specially designed lapel pin to celebrate their contribution to Australian football following their retirement from international football.
The gold-plated, lapel pins feature the Australian Coat of Arms at their centre, mirroring the crest on the national team jerseys. The word "MATILDA" or "SOCCEROO" is embossed at the top, with "AUSTRALIA" positioned below the Coat of Arms. Each pin is uniquely engraved with the recipient's international cap number, marking their official place in national team history.
A standout feature of the lapel pin is the Federation Star embedded above the Coat of Arms. Football Australia acknowledges the pioneers of Australian football - the 1922 Socceroos and the 1975 Matildas - as the first players to represent the nation on the international stage. In recognition of their historic contributions, these pioneers will receive an emerald gemstone in the Federation Star of their lapel pins. Additionally, players who have played 50 or more international matches will receive a diamond gemstone, signifying their distinguished service to the national team.
The 1975 Matildas, Australia's first senior women's national team, will be officially presented with their caps and commemorative lapel pins before the Matildas vs Korea Republic match on Friday, 4 April. This historic moment will celebrate the pioneers who paved the way for women's football in Australia.
With 236 Matildas and 649 Socceroos having represented Australia at the senior level, this initiative ensures that every player who has worn the green and gold is acknowledged - not only with an official international cap upon their selection but also with a lasting emblem of national pride, presented upon their retirement.
"This initiative is about honouring the incredible men and women who have represented Australia on the international stage," said James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia. "Our national team players carry an immense sense of pride when they put on the jersey, and this lapel pin serves as a lasting symbol of their commitment, contribution, and place in the history of Australian football."
Football Australia encourages all past Matildas and Socceroos to wear their commemorative lapel pins with pride, signifying their place among the elite footballers who have represented the nation. Whether at official functions, public appearances, or personal gatherings, the lapel serves as a distinguished badge of honour, recognising their achievements on the international stage. Football Australia hopes this emblem becomes a treasured symbol of Australian football excellence for generations to come.
All retired Matildas and Socceroos will receive their lapel pins over the next 12 to 18 months.
