Jess Fishlock, Wales' most-capped player, is in no rush to decide her international future after Wales' exit from Euro 2025. The 38-year-old midfielder and stalwart of the Welsh national team wants to take time to consider her options after the major tournament debutants bowed out of the competition following a 6-1 defeat to England.
Fishlock made her senior debut for Wales in 2006 in Switzerland and has come full circle, returning to the country as her nation's all-time top goalscorer. Reflecting on her future with Wales, Fishlock stated, "I don't know right now. I think that's a tough one. I need to take a little seat and have a little think, but no decisions are to be made. As of right now, I'm still a Welsh player".
Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson said it was not the time to look at future plans for Jess, for Kayleigh (Barton), for some of our more experienced players and told her players to take a breath. Wilkinson added that she hopes that they stick together and enjoy one another's company, and celebrate the moments that they can celebrate.
Fishlock has had an illustrious career, playing in nine countries over the last seventeen years. She is Wales' all-time record goal scorer and the first Welsh player to earn 100 caps for the national team. In April 2017, Fishlock became the first Welsh player to reach 100 games for the national team. By April 9, 2024, she reached 150 games. As of June 2025, she has 162 caps. She has won the Welsh Footballer of the Year award five times.
At Euro 2025, Fishlock made history by becoming the first Welsh woman to score a goal at a major tournament in the Wednesday night loss to France. She also provided an assist for Hannah Cain's late goal against England. Her goal against France made her the oldest scorer in the history of the Women's European Championship, at 38 years and 176 days.
Off the field, Fishlock has been a role model for the LGBT community and was awarded an MBE for her services to football and the LGBT community.
Throughout her club career, Fishlock has played for Cardiff City Ladies, Bristol Academy, AZ Alkmaar, Glasgow City, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, FFC Frankfurt, Olympique Lyonnais, Reading and Seattle Reign FC. She has won multiple championships, including two Eredivisie titles, four W-League Grand Final championships, and two NWSL Shield wins. She also won a UEFA Women's Champions League medal with FFC Frankfurt. In 2021, she was named the NWSL Most Valuable Player with Seattle Reign FC. Fishlock has also held coaching positions with Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne City.
Despite the disappointing end to Wales' Euro 2025 campaign, Fishlock acknowledged the significance of the experience for the team's development. "This is the beginning of a journey for us," she said. "We have to keep investing and keep building to make sure this isn't just a one-off".