If you didn’t already know the name Mackenzie Arnold before the FIFA World Cup, the Matildas tense penalty shoot-out against France would have put her name front and centre in your mind last year.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper was awarded player of the match following her key role in Australia’s win and fans, both new and old, were quick to applaud the athlete’s defensive talent. She earned the most clean sheets at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, recording four shutouts as she helped Australia to a fourth-place finish.
Though the Queensland-born soccer player is a proud member of The Matildas, playing in two world cups and the Olympics, she also plays in the English League for West Ham. The superstar keeper was named captain of her team when she returned to the UK following the World Cup.
Mackenzie has played for West Ham since 2020 – and when Manchester United player Kirsty Smith joined in 2022, her personal life off the field was impacted for the better.
Despite meeting in 2022, we don’t know exactly when the two began dating as both women didn’t comment on their relationship until more recently.
Eagle-eyed fans did spot the couple celebrating the holiday season together in December 2022, thanks to matching Instagram backgrounds.
“London suits ya,” Mackenzie commented on Kristy’s post at the time, with fans hoping they were an item.
In February 2023, Mackenzie shared the first photo of Kristy to her account, with the Scottish soccer player spotted in a carousel of photos from London.
Kristy commented “favourite person.”
In March 2023 the teammates confirmed their relationship, with Mackenzie sharing a selfie of them hugging.
Following their “soft launch” – as teammate Emily Van Egmond wrote – the pair began appearing on each other’s social media pages more frequently, before heading to Greece together in June for a getaway before the World Cup.
As the World Cup kicked off in July 2023, Kirsty was every part the supportive girlfriend as Mackenzie took the field for Australia.
Sharing a photo of Mackenzie on the pitch, Kirsty wrote: “Beyond proud of you! Nothing more special than watching you play on the world stage and live your dream. No one deserves these moments more and there’s so much more to come.”
In between the World Cup and their return to the Women’s Super League in the UK, the couple managed to enjoy some well-earned rest with a vacation in Portugal in September.
“Quick little recharge in Vilamoura,” Mackenzie wrote on Instagram at the time.
Kirsty appeared hand-in-hand with Mackenzie at The Best FIFA Football Awards held in January 2024.
At the event, Mackenzie was named as one of the finalists for Best Keeper, named alongside Spain’s Cata Coll and England’s Mary Earps (who won).
“An honour to be part of such a special night and to be nominated amongst FIFAs best. Big congratulations to everyone involved!” Mackenzie captioned an Instagram post.
“Proud of you,” Kirsty commented.
So cute! Get to know more about the Matildas players and their lives off the field in the documentary series on Disney Plus as we head into the 2024 Olympic Games.
Watch Matildas: The World At Our Feet on Disney Plus now. Sign up here.
