Midfielder Daisy Cleverley has retired from football after earning 39 caps for the Football Ferns and playing in Europe and the United States.
Cleverley (27) represented New Zealand at age group level before making her full debut in October 2014, scoring twice against Tonga at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
She was selected to represent New Zealand at three senior FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), and at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Announcing her retirement on social media in September, Cleverley said:
“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.”
Auckland-born Cleverley played youth football for clubs including Western Springs, Eastern Suburbs, Lynn-Avon United, and Forrest Hill-Milford United (now Northern Rovers).
After leaving school, she moved to the United States for scholarships with the California Golden Bears, for whom she played more than 50 games, and the Georgetown Hoyas.
In 2022, she signed with top-tier Danish side HB Køge, helping them win that year’s Danish Women’s League title.
This story was first published on October 19, 2024.
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