Princess Ibini: A Legacy in Sky Blue

Sydney FC’s Princess Ibini will make her 146th appearance for the club this Saturday, surpassing the all-time record held by legendary captain Teresa Polias.

The Ninja A-League clash against Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium will not only be a pivotal match for Sydney FC but a celebration of Ibini’s remarkable nine-year journey with the Sky Blues. Debuting in 2015 as a 15-year-old, Ibini’s career is a testament to talent, dedication, and loyalty in modern football.

A Milestone Worthy of Celebration

Reflecting on her record-breaking achievement, Ibini expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her career:

“Breaking this record means so much to me. To have worn the Sydney FC jersey for this long and now become the club’s all-time appearance holder is something I never imagined. It’s an incredible honour and a testament to the amazing people I’ve had around me—my teammates, coaches, and the fans who’ve supported me.”

Ibini also paid homage to Teresa Polias, the former captain whose record she is set to eclipse:

“Teresa has been a role model to me both on and off the pitch. She represents everything that is great about Sydney FC, and to follow in her footsteps is truly humbling.”

Tributes from a Legacy of Greatness

Teresa Polias, who will present a special award to Ibini during Saturday’s match, lauded her former teammate’s impact on the club:

“Princess embodies loyalty, dedication, and class. While it’s bittersweet to see my record broken, I couldn’t be prouder of her. She deserves every accolade and will continue to inspire future generations of players.”

Head Coach Ante Juric praised Ibini’s consistency and leadership over the years:

“Princess’ longevity and loyalty to Sydney FC are extraordinary. She’s consistently delivered at the highest level, contributing to many Championships and Premierships. To stay with one club for 10 seasons is a rarity and speaks volumes about her character. She will undoubtedly go down as one of our club’s all-time greats.”

A Career Built on Success

During her decade-long tenure with Sydney FC, Ibini has been pivotal in securing three Premierships and three Championships, making her a cornerstone of the club’s triumphs. The 24-year-old has played in a record eight Grand Finals, more than any other player in Ninja A-League history.

With 28 goals in 145 matches and eight international caps for the Matildas, Ibini’s influence extends far beyond the domestic league. Her commitment and talent have made her a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s culture.

A Night to Remember

Saturday’s match against Newcastle Jets promises to be a memorable occasion, with family, friends, and former teammates gathering to celebrate Ibini’s milestone. The Sky Blue faithful are expected to fill Allianz Stadium to honor the player who has become synonymous with the club’s identity.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 PM following the Sydney FC men’s match against Western United.