Matildas star receives rousing welcome in return after mother's death
Kyra Cooney-Cross is warmly welcomed back onto the field by Arsenal fans after missing the end of last season due to her mother's illness.
Australian Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross was met with a warm reception upon returning to Arsenal's preseason match against Paris FC. Cooney-Cross had been absent from the sport after her mother Jessica Cooney passed away on July 10 due to Stage 4 bile duct cancer. The 24-year-old shared that her mother was her biggest inspiration and the person she aspired to be.
Cooney-Cross made her return to the field in the 63rd minute of the match, with Arsenal securing a 1-0 victory. The midfielder previously played for Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers before joining Arsenal. She last appeared for the Matildas during the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup final in March. Cooney-Cross's return to play came after receiving indefinite compassionate leave from Arsenal to be with her mother during her final days.
The young midfielder has since returned to training and is set to begin Arsenal's Women's Super League campaign on Sunday against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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