Joe Montemurro Named Matildas Coach After 10-Month Search
The long wait is finally over—after ten months of speculation, interviews, and uncertainty, Football Australia has officially appointed Joe Montemurro as the new head coach of the Matildas. And honestly, it’s a decision that feels like a turning point for Australian women’s football.
Montemurro isn’t just any coach. He’s one of the most respected names in the international women’s game, a Melbourne native who’s gone on to coach some of Europe’s most elite clubs. From winning titles at Arsenal to building a dominant side at Juventus, and most recently leading French powerhouse Lyon to a domestic league title, his résumé is packed with achievements. Even though his Lyon team fell short in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals against Arsenal—a side that featured Aussies like Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord—it was clear Montemurro had built something special.
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His appointment couldn't have come at a more crucial time. The Matildas, once riding high after their inspiring semi-final run at the 2023 home World Cup, have recently seen a dip in form and are currently sitting at their equal lowest FIFA ranking of 16th. After Tony Gustavsson’s exit following a disappointing Olympic campaign, and a transitional phase under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the national team desperately needed stability and vision. Montemurro brings both.
What makes this hire even more exciting is that Montemurro knows the Australian football landscape deeply—he started his coaching journey right here at Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City before rising to international prominence. His connections to key players and understanding of the national identity set him apart from other contenders. As he said during his unveiling, taking on this role is "the honour of a lifetime."
Montemurro has a relatively short window to make an impact before the Asian Cup in March 2026, but there’s confidence he can deliver. He’s inheriting a squad brimming with talent and expectation, despite key players like Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler currently sidelined with injuries. Still, there’s an exciting generation of players coming through, and Montemurro’s task will be to harness that potential while respecting the legacy of the team.
In his own words, his mission is to “honour the legacy, harness the momentum, and help this team play football that inspires and unites the country.” With his proven track record, leadership style, and tactical vision, Joe Montemurro might just be the coach to elevate the Matildas to new heights on the global stage.
And tonight, as the Matildas take the field against Argentina, it marks not just the end of an interim era—but the start of a promising new chapter.
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