The international football landscape can be a fickle mistress, with careers often defined by fleeting moments of brilliance and the relentless march of time. For Kyah Simon, a name synonymous with the Matildas for over a decade, a lengthy hiatus from the green and gold has fuelled a flurry of speculation about her future with the national team. However, the midfield maestro has now taken it upon herself to set the record straight, unequivocally stating that she has not retired from international football.
Simon, a veteran with an impressive 111 caps to her name, has been absent from the Matildas squad for over three years. This absence is largely attributed to a persistent battle with injuries, compounded by the ever-evolving selection philosophies of national coaches. As a new wave of exceptionally talented players emerges through the ranks, the competition for a coveted Matildas jersey has intensified, presenting a significant challenge for even established stars like Simon. This has inevitably led some to prematurely label her as a “former Matilda,” a sentiment Simon is keen to dispel.
Setting the Record Straight
Speaking directly to her supporters via Instagram, Simon expressed her need to clarify her current standing. “Recently I’ve seen a lot of references to me as a ‘former Matilda’, and I feel it’s important to clarify that in my own words,” she stated. “I felt it was important to speak for myself. I don’t usually feel the need to explain or justify. But I’ve learned that when you don’t own your narrative, speculation fills the space. This is me choosing clarity. I have not retired from international football.”
Simon’s last appearance in a Matildas squad was for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This selection itself was met with some controversy, given her limited game time in the lead-up to the tournament. A significant knee injury sustained in October 2022 significantly disrupted her preparation, ultimately seeing her named as an unused substitute for the global showpiece.
A Move Abroad and the Pursuit of Form
At the time of her last Matildas call-up, Simon was plying her trade with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women. She has since made a move overseas, joining French club Dijon FCO, where she continues to play. This decision to move abroad was driven by a strong desire to reignite her career and prove she still has “more to give” on the international stage.
“I wanted to put myself back into a high performance environment, compete at a high level, and earn everything again properly – through fitness and form,” Simon elaborated. “The past few years have been challenging – it’s been a stop-start period, navigating rehab, season timing, limited full-time contracts in the A-League… Of course, representing Australia remains a goal, but selection comes from consistency, match minutes and performance.”
Navigating Challenges and Finding Purpose
The experienced midfielder was notably absent from Joe Montemurro’s squad for the recent Asian Cup. While acknowledging this omission, Simon admitted she “understood realistically” where she stood as a player at that juncture. Currently managing a groin strain, she conceded it would have been “special to be part” of the team for a major home tournament, but her paramount focus remains on her physical well-being.
Beyond the immediate pressures of selection and injury, Simon has also found a profound sense of purpose outside of her football career during this period. “One thing this period has taught me deeply is the importance of identity beyond football,” she shared. “When the game pauses, whether through injury or selection, so does the noise. The praise quiets, the criticism can grow loud, and you’re left with yourself. I’ve learned that self-worth can’t be attached purely to what you do on the pitch. It has to exist beyond it.”
A Future in Green and Gold?
Simon remains resolute in her commitment to the sport, stating, “I’ll continue playing for as long as I can. I feel incredibly grateful to do this for a living. It wouldn’t sit right with me to walk away while I still feel there’s more inside. If it’s meant to be, it will be.” Her message concludes with a rallying cry for the Matildas as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup, which is set to commence in Perth on March 1st: “Let’s get behind the girls to bring this cup back home. Let’s go Tillies.” Her continued dedication and desire to represent her country suggest that the door to the Matildas remains firmly ajar, contingent on her regaining full fitness and consistent form.
