After scoring two game-changing goals during the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley cemented her position as one of the Australian squad’s most valuable players.
Catley first made headlines during the Women’s World Cup following her appointment as temporary captain of the Matildas, with captain Sam Kerr unfortunately unable to take to the field as a result of an injury.
The star defender’s exceptional leadership of the Australian squad throughout the World Cup group stage placed a spotlight on both Catley’s professional and personal life. Now, as the 30-year-old gears up to lead her team to victory as captain of the Olympic squad, many fans are curious to learn more about her relationship with fellow football star Dean Bouzanis.
Catley first met Melbourne City star Dean Bouzanis in 2016. The couple first met briefly during a joint training session, with Catley also competing for Melbourne City in the W-League.
Speaking on the early days of their romance, Catley shared Bouzanis had slid into her Instagram dm’s following a fleeting encounter at a local shopping centre.
“One day I get this message on Instagram.. ‘Thanks for the custard pie at Chadstone Shopping Centre,’ it read… [I] only replied because I had no idea what he was talking about… It turned out I’d just walked straight past him with my headphones… I think he was just too shy to say hello!” Steph told Arsenal FC.
“[Steph] caught my eye as soon as I got there [to Melbourne City]. Everyone speaks so highly of Steph… Once we started talking and getting to know each other, we just clicked instantly,” Dean previously told KIIS FM.
After a few months of getting to know each other, Steph and Dean officially began dating in January 2017, with the couple moving in together to Bouzanis’ apartment six months later.
During the pandemic, the couple made the move from Australia to London following Catley’s call to play for the legendary Arsenal squad.
“The decision to move to London was a massive point in my life… [Steph] was very supportive of me staying in the A-League, but I took a pay cut to sign for [South London-based] Sutton,” Dean told Professional Footballers Australia.
As the couple celebrated their six-year anniversary in January 2023, Bouzanis surprised Catley with a heartfelt proposal, with the couple announcing their engagement to Instagram.
“My forever family,” Catley captioned the announcement alongside a collection of photos of the couple and their adorable dog Calvin.
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