Ellie Carpenter is among the world’s most talented and successful women’s soccer players. At 22, she has already achieved remarkable feats in her career, such as playing in two Olympic Games, winning two Champions League titles, and becoming the youngest female footballer to compete at the Olympics.
But who is Ellie Carpenter, and how did she become such a formidable force on the pitch? Here is a brief overview of her life and achievements so far.
Early Life and Education
Ellie Madison Carpenter was born on April 28, 2000, in Cowra, New South Wales, a small town located approximately 300 km west of Sydney. She grew up on a farm with her parents, both physical education teachers.
Carpenter developed a passion for soccer at a young age and regularly undertook extended travels to play football in Young, Canberra, and Sydney. At age 12, her family moved to Sydney so she could attend Westfields Sports High School, a prestigious institution that has produced many elite athletes.
Carpenter dropped out of school at age 17 to pursue her athletic career full-time.
Club Career
Carpenter began her professional club career in 2015 when she joined Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League, Australia’s top-tier women’s soccer league. She debuted at age 15, becoming the youngest player in the W-League.
She played for the Wanderers for two seasons before signing with Canberra United in 2017. She scored five goals in 21 appearances for Canberra and was named the W-League Young Footballer of the Year in 2018
In 2018, Carpenter moved to the United States to play for Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), North America’s highest level of women’s soccer. She made history again by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in an NWSL game at 18.
She played for Portland for two seasons and also had a loan spell with Melbourne City in the W-League, where she won the league title and the Young Footballer of the Year award for the second time in 2020
In 2020, Carpenter made a big move to Europe, signing with Olympique Lyonnais, the world’s most successful women’s soccer club. She became the first Australian player to join Lyon and the second to play in France’s French D1 Féminine, the top division of women’s soccer.
Carpenter quickly established herself as a critical player for Lyon, helping them win the Champions League, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup in her first season. She also won the Champions League again in 2022, becoming the first Australian player to win two Champions League titles.
International Career
Carpenter debuted for the Australia national team, the Matildas, in 2016 at 15. She became the first international soccer player – male or female – to be born in the 21st century.
She was also the youngest Australian competitor at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the youngest-ever female footballer to compete at the Olympics.
She has since become a regular starter for the Matildas, playing as a right-back defender capable of contributing to the attack with her speed, skill, and crossing ability.
She has represented Australia in two Olympic Games, two Asian Cups, and one World Cup. She has also scored four goals in 71 appearances for her country.
She is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world and one of the most promising young players in women’s soccer.
Personal Life and Future Goals
Carpenter is the daughter of Belinda and Mark Carpenter, who have supported her throughout her soccer journey. She also has a younger brother, Jake, who plays rugby.
Carpenter is currently based in Lyon, France, where she lives with her teammate and friend, Nikita Parris, an English striker. She enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.
Carpenter is also a role model and an inspiration for many young girls who aspire to play soccer. She often shares her experiences and advice on social media and participates in various initiatives to promote women’s soccer and empower women and girls.
Carpenter has many goals and dreams for her future, both on and off the field. She wants to win more trophies with Lyon and help the Matildas win their first major tournament.
She also wants to continue to grow as a player and a person and to make a positive impact on the world through her passion and talent.
Ellie Carpenter is a rising star of Australian women’s soccer and a shining example of what hard work, dedication, and courage can achieve. She is a bubbly, fearless, and daring young woman who has already accomplished so much and has so much more to offer
Originally posted 2023-11-28 19:39:16.
