We examine the reason and meaning behind The Matildas nickname for the Australia Women’s Football Team, who will be eager to make history at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup
As they prepare to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in 2023, expectations are high for the Australian women’s national team. Ahead of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, many fans came across Australia’s nickname known as The Matildas.
Explained why is the Australia Women’s Football Team called Matildas and nickname meaning and history
From 2011 to 2023: the tradition continues 🫶#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/psnkjTCihO
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 22, 2023
What is the nickname for the Australian Women’s Football Team?
Australia has never advanced past the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite having some of the top female football players on their team. However, they never fail to amaze the crowd with their stellar play. Prior to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, Australian women’s football players were given the nickname Matildas for the first time in 1995. They were once referred to as “The Female Socceroos,” the same moniker as their male counterparts.
Meanwhile, the Australian Men’s Football Team is still referred to as The Socceroos. Tony Horstead, the main football writer for The Daily Mirror, came up with the term in 1971, and it was used that same year. In 1972, the kangaroo logo with football boots was chosen.
How the nickname ‘The Matildas’ was chosen?
Australian Women’s Soccer Association sponsored a competition and requested the supporters to choose one new name in an effort to come up with a fresh and appealing moniker for the women’s football team. During this contest, there were numerous alternatives including Soccertoos, Blue Flyers, Waratahs, Matildas, & Lorikeets. However, the majority of voters decided on Matilda in honor of the well-known Australian song Waltzing Matilda.
The name didn’t sit well with the players, but the choice had already been made. Ultimately, the name became synonymous to the players also and they began to appreciate the nickname. Before the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, the AWSA formally debuted a new official song for the group. ‘Everything We Ever Dreamed Of’ was the name of the song, which was written by Australian musicians Nina Las Vegas, Ninajirachi, KLP, & Kota Banks.