Melbourne City have made a real marquee signing ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season, recruiting Matildas ace Cortnee Vine on a one-year deal.
The 28-year-old returns to Australia following two seasons in the United States with North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she made 23 appearances and scored twice between 2024 and 2026.
Vine arrives in Melbourne with 30 Matildas caps and three international goals to her name, having represented Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
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The signing signals a real statement of intent from the current reigning Ninja A-League Premiers and Champions, who will once again be playing the AFC Women’s Champions League in season 2026/27.
“I’m really excited to be coming home and joining Melbourne City,” Vine said.
“I’ve watched what City has achieved over the last few seasons and the standards this group continues to set, so the opportunity to come into that environment and be part of a team competing for trophies was really exciting to me.
“My time in the NWSL has helped me grow both as a player and a person, and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences back to Australia.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, get out on the pitch and do everything I can to help bring more success to the Club.”
No stranger to the Australian sporting public, it was during the Matildas’ memorable run at the 2023 World Cup where Vine etched her name into Aussie sporting history.
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In front of more than 49,000 fans in Brisbane, Vine calmly converted the decisive penalty against France as Australia prevailed 7-6 in a shootout to reach the World Cup Semi Finals for the first time.
Vine also returns to Australia as one of the Ninja A-League’s most accomplished players, having made more than 100 appearances while winning three Premierships and two Championships before her move to the NWSL in 2024.
Renowned for her explosive pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, Vine will add another dimension to Melbourne City head coach Michael Matricciani’s attacking options as the Club prepares to defend its Premiership and Championship titles in 2026/27.
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said attracting Vine back to Australia was a significant signing for the Club.
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“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Cortnee to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“To attract a player of Cortnee’s calibre back to Australia is a significant signing for our Club and reflects the environment and standards that have been built within our Women’s program.
“Her pace, directness and ability to threaten opposition defences will add another dimension to our attack, while she also brings valuable experience from representing the Matildas on the biggest stage and competing in one of the world’s strongest leagues.
“Cortnee knows what it takes to win in this competition and we’re delighted to add a player of her quality to our squad as we look to compete for more silverware both domestically and in Asia.”
