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Daisy Cleverley Announces Retirement After 12-Year International Career

Published

1 month ago

10/15/2024

Football Fern #168, Daisy Cleverley, has announced her retirement from football, concluding an illustrious 12-year career representing Aotearoa New Zealand at both junior and senior levels.

The 27-year-old midfielder made her senior debut in October 2014, making an immediate impact by scoring twice in a victory over Tonga during the OFC Women’s Nations Cup. Over the years, Cleverley became a key figure in the Football Ferns, amassing 39 caps and representing New Zealand at three FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Cleverley’s football journey began in youth leagues, playing for clubs such as Western Springs, Eastern Suburbs, Lynn-Avon United, and Forrest Hill-Milford United (now Northern Rovers).

🇳🇿💫#U17WWC | @NZ_Football pic.twitter.com/t8JSYT0FyZ
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 5, 2024

Her talent was evident early on, with her selection for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 in Azerbaijan at just 15. She was later called up again for the same tournament in 2014, where she scored, and also competed in two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups in 2014 and 2016.

After completing her schooling in New Zealand, Cleverley’s football career took her to the United States, where she played college soccer for the California Golden Bears and later for the Georgetown Hoyas, playing over 50 games during her time in the US.

In 2022, Cleverley moved to Europe, signing with HB Køge, a top-tier Danish club. During her tenure, the team won the Danish Women’s League in 2022, contributing to an impressive run of three consecutive titles.

In September 2024, Cleverley announced her decision to retire from football to focus on the next chapter of her life. Reflecting on her career, she expressed gratitude, saying:

“Ten pretty great years playing for the Football Ferns.
Feeling incredibly proud and lucky as I step away and reflect on all the experiences this game has given me.
From the people I’ve met to the places this sport has taken me, one thing’s for sure – women footballers are pretty bloody great.
Closing this beautiful chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.”