Melbourne City FC is pleased to announce that Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna has joined the Club ahead of the 2015/16 Westfield W-League season.
Fresh from leading Australia to a quarter-final berth at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 30-year-old striker arrives at Melbourne City FC as the Club’s inaugural W-League player.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s best female footballers, De Vanna has enjoyed a successful international career, representing her country in three World Cups and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
After registering her 100th international cap in Australia’s opening match of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, De Vanna’s goal in the 3-1 defeat to eventual winners USA saw her become the first Australian female to score at three consecutive World Cups.
De Vanna enhanced her reputation as one of the world’s best strikers with an exceptional performance at the 2007 World Cup in China, with her four goals earning her a place in the tournament’s All-Star team and a nomination for the 2007 FIFA World Player of the year.
De Vanna received a nomination for the 2013 FIFA Puskas Award following a spectacular bicycle kick for Sky Blues FC in the American National Women’s Soccer League, joining the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Neymar as contenders for the award.
Melbourne City FC W-League coach Joe Montemurro was delighted to secure a player of De Vanna’s stature as the Club continues to prepare for its maiden W-League campaign.
“We are very proud and honoured to have Lisa as our first W-League player,” Montemurro said.
“We all know what Lisa has achieved as a Matilda and to have a player of her stature come to Melbourne City FC in its inaugural season is something the whole Club is excited about.”
“Lisa has played a large part in the rise of women’s football in this country and to have her on board means we can build towards creating a competitive side in this year’s W-League.”
De Vanna said she was relishing the prospect of an exciting new challenge with a developing squad ahead of the W-League season.
“Joe approached me a few months ago about playing for City and he invited me to come and visit the City Football Academy,” De Vanna said.
“After 10 minutes of being there I was sold to the idea of playing for City; it’s a great opportunity and I’m quite honoured to be part of it.”
Melbourne City FC will continue to build its squad ahead of the start of the Westfield W-League 2015/16 season.
