By Alice de Koster-Kitto 27/10/24
Above: Daniela Galic. Photo Marcio Machado / Football Australia
“Since the first time I stepped onto the pitch I dreamed of representing my country.”
On Friday night, Daniela Galic made her much-awaited senior debut in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, becoming Matilda #229. The 18-year-old midfielder came on in the 77th minute of the match and quickly made her mark on the pitch, holding her own and settling into the squad with ease.
One of three late substitutions, Galic helped shift the momentum, following a relatively uneventful, yet tense clash. As stoppage time approached her input on the pitch became evident, contributing to many late opportunities. However, neither side managed to score a decisive goal.
Galic’s innate ability to execute strategic through-balls and attacking playing style proved to be an asset during her short stint on the field.
As she developed her game at Melbourne City, the young gun showed incredible versatility and promise, netting nine goals and a further nine assists, across her 39 appearances with the club from 2022 to 2024.
The attacker is no stranger to the international stage, having played a central role in the Young Matilda’s bronze medal finish at the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024. Well acquainted with the current national side, these friendlies mark Galic’s second senior camp, after joining the team in February as a train-on player.
The rising stars call-up comes just a week after receiving a nomination for the AFC Youth Player of The Year Award.
She brings a fresh set of skills to the current Matildas squad and has displayed skillful versatility in her short professional career. Having signed for Dutch side Twente during this year’s off-season, Galic became one of the youngest players to play Champions League football, making her debut in the tournament in a 2-0 victory over Celtic.
Following a disappointing Olympic run, along with the departure of head coach Tony Gustavsson, the addition of the gifted young attacker presents a sense of hope to a somewhat uncertain Matildas squad. Being anointed as ‘the future of Australian football’ by Former Matilda turned pundit Grace Gill, Galic is poised to become a key member of the national side in the coming years as she continues to grow as a player.
The pressure of such esteemed praise does not seem to get to the midfielder, as she does not shy away from big opportunities, and appears unafraid to fully immerse herself in the game, no matter the circumstance.
“It was such a surreal moment,” Galic said after the game.
“To do it with this group of girls who I watched during the World Cup and idolised, it just makes it even more special”
With a slew of international friendlies ahead of the 2026 AFC Asian Women’s Cup, Galic is presented with ample opportunity to grow as a player and prove herself as a necessary addition to the squad. Having made a name for herself amongst Australia’s most celebrated footballers, along with an already impressive start with 2022 Eredivisie Vrouwen Champions, Twente, Galic can only move forward in the coming years.
Should she continue with such great promise, Galic is likely to be a strong candidate for the 2026 AFC Asian Women’s Cup squad, which would mark not only her first experience in competitive football with the senior side but also her first tournament on home soil.
This week’s debut is only the beginning of what is expected to be a brilliant career for the young star.
Matildas fans can be excited to continue watching Daniela Galic as she cements herself as part of the nation’s most beloved team.
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