Melissa Barbieri is showing no signs of slowing down. So much so, the Melbourne City goalkeeper will extend her incredible professional career into a 26th season.
Barbieri will be back in the Liberty A-League in 2022-23 – the evergreen 42-year-old returning to City as a playing assistant coach under Rado Vidosic.
Her longevity in the professional game is unmatched by anybody in Australian football history, having surpassed Scott McDonald, Kevin Muscat, Liam Reddy and Lisa De Vanna last season.
With 92 A-League Women appearances and closing in on the century milestone, Barbieri has her eyes on silverware after City reached the Preliminary Final in 2021-22.
“A professional environment with good people who make working hard easy is what keeps me coming back,” two-time ALW Goalkeeper of the Year Barbieri said.
“Helping to add silverware to the trophy cabinet is a big motivating factor for me, and I’m excited to see the group grow from 2021-22 and the disappointment we felt after not coming away with any trophies.”
A standout performer in the ALW, Barbieri made 15 appearances last season as City made it to the Preliminary Final before falling to rivals and eventual champions Melbourne Victory.
Ageing like a fine wine, Barbieri made her debut as a 16-year-old for ITC Victoria in February 1997.
At international level, Barbieri won three trophies with the Matildas across 86 caps, including the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Barbieri added: “As a goalkeeper, you’re never guaranteed games, but reaching 100 (currently 92 total ALW appearances) is a big goal of mine coming into the new season.”
City, who finished second behind premiers Sydney FC during the regular season, will kick-off their ALW Campaign away to Wellington Phoenix on November 20.
“The experience and leadership she brings to our group is invaluable and she’s really just a great person to have involved as part of our program,” Vidosic said of Barbieri.
“She clearly showed last season that she can still contribute to a very high level on the pitch when called upon, so we expect her to again challenge to be our number one goalkeeper this season.”
