Mary Fowler has offered a refreshingly candid look into her mindset toward professional football and how a serious injury reshaped her perspective. While many athletes live and breathe their sport, Fowler admits she doesn’t feel the same way—even though she’s one of Australia’s brightest football talents. The 21-year-old Matildas forward recently opened up about how she’s found peace and even some clarity after suffering an ACL injury playing for Manchester City. The injury, which has taken her out of competition for the upcoming Asian Cup, initially brought more reflection than sorrow. Surprisingly, she found herself appreciating the time away from the intensity of professional sports.
Despite the setback, Fowler doesn’t view football as her singular purpose. She openly shared on the Keegan and Company podcast that while she enjoys many aspects of being a footballer—like traveling and bonding with teammates—it’s not something she’s overly emotionally invested in. Her connection to the game has shifted over the years, becoming more balanced and less all-consuming. “If I stopped playing tomorrow, I wouldn’t feel regret,” she stated, explaining that she has other interests outside of football that fuel her passion. In fact, the injury became a moment of introspection rather than devastation, giving her space to focus on herself away from the demands of the sport.
Fowler’s relationship with football has always been complex. Debuting for the Matildas at just 15 years old, she was thrust into the spotlight long before most teenagers even begin to define their identities. From World Cup appearances to an early move to Europe and the Olympics, her career has unfolded at a rapid pace. Yet, this meteoric rise came with its own emotional toll. Fowler admitted that she often felt pressure to maintain a certain image—especially on social media—one that didn’t fully reflect her genuine self. Over time, she realized she didn’t want to be seen solely as an athlete. That realization has allowed her to detach from the external expectations and focus on being authentic, both online and in life.
Interestingly, this philosophy stands in contrast to her partner, NRL star Nathan Cleary. Whereas Cleary thrives on the structure and intensity of his sport, Fowler prefers a laid-back approach. “I want to put in the least amount of effort that I can because I don’t want to think about it,” she said, laughing. For her, staying relaxed and avoiding overthinking is key to performing well. Gone are the days of motivational mantras written on her arms or obsessive match analysis. Instead, Fowler has embraced a more instinctive, less rigid style of preparation—one that lets her enjoy the game without being consumed by it.
Looking ahead, Fowler is using her recovery period to explore off-field projects, including one aimed at mentoring younger athletes by sharing insights through social media. She hopes to use her experiences to show that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path to success in sport. Her message is clear: it’s okay not to live for the game. In fact, by embracing her individuality and giving herself permission to not care so deeply, she’s found freedom—and ironically, it’s made her a better player.
