Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has signed one of most lucrative contracts in women’s football history, inking a reported $10m deal with sporting giant Adidas.
The record-breaking deal came after a fierce bidding war between Adidas, New Balance and Nike, all vying for the signature of the Manchester City midfielder.
The 23-year-old recently made a successful return to the field at the Asian Cup after missing the best part of a year following an ACL injury.
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While Fowler is already a superstar on the field, she is already making big strides off it as well.
During her time out with injury, Fowler made an eye-catching debut on the catwalk in Paris.
Seven’s European correspondent Ben Downie shared more details on the record-breaking deal.
“The ACL injury that sidelined her last year in a way ended up being a blessing in disguise, making it possible for her to be the first women’s footballer ever to walk at Fashion Week,” he said on Sunrise.
“And it had agents racing to Paris the next day.
“Adidas was the eventual winner, inking the record-breaking reported $10 million five-year deal.
“Why? Well, her agent, of course, says the big brands weren’t just trying to sign a footballer, they were after a cultural icon.
“Can’t disagree there. She was already earning more than her partner, future rugby league immortal Nathan Cleary.
“This, though, puts her in a new stratosphere.”
Interestingly, Cleary is also sponsored by Adidas.
While Fowler’s Asian Cup campaign ended in a heartbreaking loss in the final, she is on the cusp of winning the Women’s Super League title with Manchester City.
City are currently nine points ahead of second-placed Chelsea with Arsenal a further two points behind, although they did have two games in hand.
They are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
