Sydney FC captain Nat Tobin will return to the Sky Blues for the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season after taking a year away from football to give birth to her son Charlie.
The four-time Championship winner and three-time Premiership winner stepped away from the game during the 2025/26 season while pregnant, but is now preparing to return to competitive football with Sydney FC.
The 29-year-old is the club’s third most-capped A-League Women’s player, having made 124 appearances in Sky Blue during a 13-season career.
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Tobin has won seven major trophies with Sydney FC, including four Championships and three Premierships, and captained the Sky Blues to back-to-back Championship triumphs.
She also lifted two of the club’s three Premiers Plates as captain.
Tobin said she was hungry to return to competitive football following a memorable year away from the game.
“The last year has been an incredible life experience for Will and I, and welcoming Charlie into our family has been the most wonderful thing,” she said.
“At the same time, I’ve really missed football and I’m incredibly hungry to get back out there wearing the Sydney FC shirt again.
“I’m feeling really good since having Charlie and I’m excited about getting back into the group, working hard and doing everything I can to help this team be successful.
“Sydney FC has been such a huge part of my life and I know what it means to win trophies with this club. I want to use my experience to help our younger players and help get us back to winning ways.
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“I’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible moments in Sky Blue and hopefully there are plenty more to come.
“And it would be pretty special if one day Charlie can be in the stands watching his mum play for Sydney FC.”
Head Coach James Slaveski said Tobin’s return would provide a significant boost to his squad.
“It’s fantastic news for Sydney FC to have Nat back and ready to lead this group again,” he said.
“She is a proven winner and her record speaks for itself. There aren’t many players in the competition who can match the experience she has or the number of trophies she has won.
“Nat brings a real calmness and composure to the group and she understands exactly what is required to be successful at this football club.
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“We have a lot of talented young players in our squad and having someone of Nat’s experience and leadership alongside them will be hugely beneficial.
“She sets standards every day and knows what it takes to win Championships. I have no doubt she is going to be a big force for us this season.”
Tobin’s return adds significant experience and leadership to Slaveski’s squad as Sydney FC prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, with the captain now targeting further silverware after an already decorated Sky Blue career.
