By Isabelle Campbell 8/8/25
Above: Steph Catley with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal
Following her nomination for the Ballon d’Or and official recognition as one of the best players in the world. Isabelle Campbell looks at what makes Steph Catley so special.
World Cup captain, Champions League winner, Ballon D’Or nominee, Steph Catley is one of the best footballers Australia has produced.
With a “left foot like Messi,” Steph Catley has turned defending into an art form. A feat recognised globally with her recent Ballon d’Or nomination. Whether she’s whipping in perfect crosses for the Matildas or standing rock-solid at the back for Arsenal, Catley’s dedication and instinct make her a true game-changer. Her mastery of the game lies in her fearlessness, adaptability, and leadership on the pitch.
Having played most of her career as a fullback, Catley seamlessly stepped into the centre-back role for Arsenal this past season, showcasing her defensive intelligence and ability to anticipate play. From crucial interceptions to orchestrating attacking plays from deep positions, Catley proved she’s more than just a dependable defender, she’s a commanding presence in defense for both club and country.
Catley’s calm composure under pressure, combined with her precise positioning, helped solidify Arsenal’s backline throughout a demanding season. From communicating seamlessly with teammates to staying composed in high-stakes moments, she thrived in the central role, demonstrating just how effective and adaptable she is when the team needs her most.
Her centre-back partnership with Leah Williamson was a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Champions League-winning campaign. The two share what can only be described as a telepathic understanding on the pitch, often communicating without words through trust and an instinctive awareness of each other’s positioning. This connection allows them to function as a unified force, anticipating danger, covering space, and stepping up exactly when needed. Williamson also receiving a Ballon d’Or nomination celebrates not only her individual talent but also the power of this partnership, marking them as one of the most formidable centre-back duos in the game.
Catley’s impact often goes unnoticed in the flow of the game, but the moment she’s absent, her importance becomes clear. While others grab the headlines, it’s Catley who’s consistently putting herself on the line to defend, stepping into tackles, blocking key shots, and making crucial interceptions that rarely make the highlight reels. Her anticipation for attack is key to keeping the backline alert and prepared. When she’s not on the pitch, the drop in structure and rhythm is hard to ignore.
Though never the type to chase the spotlight, through her unwavering commitment to her teams, she ensures they can rely on her when it matters most. Without Steph Catley in defence, everything feels a little less secure, a little more exposed.
Catley’s influence as a leader resonates far beyond the pitch. As captain, she brings a calm, steady presence that grounds the team, offering support and direction when it’s needed most. Off the pitch, her humility and kindness have earned her deep respect, with teammates often speaking of her with genuine admiration. She leads by example, embodying everything the Matildas stand for, fearless, hardworking, and deeply committed to representing Australia with pride.
From Melbourne’s local pitches to the biggest stadiums in the world, Catley isn’t just playing football, she’s embodying what it means to be indispensable. In just one season she has highlighted her versatility, proving she is not just a dependable fullback but a world class centre-back. Simply put, Steph Catley is the type of player every team needs. She’s not loud, not flashy, just absolutely essential.
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