Jess Fishlock receives MBE
General
20 December 2018

Jess Fishlock receives MBE

Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock has been awarded an MBE for her services to football and the LGBT community in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace today (Thursday 20 December). 

Jess Fishlock MBE

  • Debut v Switzerland 2006
  • Cap #100 v Northern Ireland 2017
  • 112 caps, 29 goals

Fishlock started playing football as a 7-year-old with Cardiff City Ladies before her career took her across the globe. She has represented sides in England, Holland, Australia, Scotland, Germany, the USA and France where she is currently playing for Olympique Lyonnais on loan from Seattle Reign. Fishlock is recognised globally as one of Wales’ most prominent and most successful athletes.

On the international stage, Fishlock captained the U19s team before making her debut against Switzerland in 2006. In April 2017 she became the first Welsh football player, male or female, to reach 100 caps as she captained the side and scored in a 3-1 win against Northern Ireland. Recently, Jess was a key part of the squad in their attempt to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, playing in every game despite the intense travel commitments.

It’s fantastic to see Jess being recognised for not only her contribution to football but also for her contribution to the LGBT community. With more than 100 caps for Wales, Jess is a role model and an inspiration for all young girls across the country.

– Jonathan Ford, FAW Chief Executive

Speaking to FAW.Cymru when she was named on the Queen's Birthday honours list in June, Fishlock says she is proud to have received the award “It’s great to be recognised for who you are and what you do. It's really nice for my family and the squad as well, it's great to see as footballers that we're getting recognised and things are going in the right direction.”

With the MBE, Fishlock has also been recognised as a role model for the LGBT community and she hopes she can inspire others. “It really hits me close to my heart. People have such a hard time within themselves let alone society so it’s important that everyone is ok with who they are, and they feel safe with who they are. Since I’ve got to that point I’ve been the best version of myself and I want others to feel the same.”