FIFA Women's World Cup 2023; meet Ellie Carpenter, the Matilda set to face England in tomorrow’s semi-final

England’s Lionesses are only one win away from competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, but in order to reach that goal they are set to take on Australia’s Matildas - and after their result against France in the quarter-finals, home advantage is definite in the Aussies favour. 

Not just through the fact that the tournament is being held in Australia and New Zealand this year in the first-ever cohosted tournament since the Women’s World Cup’s inception, but given the sheer drama that occurred during their penalty shoot-out against France, many Aussie ‘soccer’ fans are now thinking “what if” rather than “will we?” 

Emotions were sky high after the win, as the unfancied Matildas have had something of an underdog run in the competition, as the team’s goalkeeper MacKenzie Arnold made the winning save, prompting the team and fans in attendance to break into a scene of sheer celebration and ecstasy.  

But it was defender Ellie Carpenter who stole the show, and while the team celebrated in the middle of the pitch, Carpenter broke away from the huddle, pointed to Arnold and make her way to embrace the goalkeeper; an act the Daily Mail considered was the feeling many Australians felt after the historic victory.

So who is Ellie Carpenter, and should the Lionesses pay particular attention to the defensive acumen of the Australian footballer? PeopleWorld takes a look at the threat in the backline ahead of England’s semi-final encounter with the co-hosts.

Who is Ellie Carpenter?

Ellie Madison Carpenter, born on April 28, 2000, is a renowned Australian soccer player specializing as a defender for both the French club Lyon and the Australian national team. Her soccer journey has taken her across various leagues and countries, showcasing her exceptional skills and versatility on the field.

Beginning her career in the Australian soccer scene, Carpenter played for Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League and later joined the Portland Thorns FC in the United States National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She made her mark early, becoming the youngest player in NWSL history and displaying her talent as a formidable right-back defender.

Carpenter's achievements extend to her international career as well. She made her debut for the Australian national team at the astonishing age of 15, marking her as the first international soccer player – male or female – to be born in the 21st century in the country. Her exceptional abilities earned her a spot in the Matildas squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she became the youngest Australian competitor in the event's history.

Throughout her career, Carpenter has garnered several accolades. She was awarded the W-League Young Footballer of the Year for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020, highlighting her consistent excellence in the league. 

What is Ellie Carpenter’s net worth?

Though there is no definitive, reliable source regarding the true net worth of Ellie Carpenter, the Australian Financial Review reported that her salary while playing for Lyon in 2022 was an estimated $1.2 million AUD

Who is Ellie Carpenter’s partner?

Ellie Carpenter is engaged to her Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk, a prominent Dutch soccer player celebrated for her contributions to both club and national teams. 

Van de Donk's career has been marked by her time at top clubs, including her notable tenure with Arsenal in the English Women's Super League, where she showcased her playmaking abilities and helped lead her team to multiple successes. 

Additionally, her involvement with the Netherlands national team, known as the Oranje Leeuwinnen, has been pivotal in their rise to prominence in international soccer competitions.