One of Wales’ greatest sporting nights just crowned two football legends. Jess Fishlock, Wales’ record-breaking women’s international, has been inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame — hailed as the country’s “best ever footballer” — alongside Chris Coleman, the manager who led Wales to their historic Euro 2016 semi-final.
Jess Fishlock (Credits: BBC)
Fishlock, 39, is winding down a landmark career. Having already retired from international football with more appearances and goals than any other Welsh player, she is set to end her club career at the end of the season after 25 years — currently playing for Seattle Reign in the NWSL, with two regular-season games and up to three play-off matches remaining.
The Hall of Fame actually broke its own rules to induct her, normally only honouring sportspeople after retirement. The only other athlete given the same special dispensation was undefeated boxing icon Joe Calzaghe.
“There Are Not Enough Superlatives to Describe Jess”
Presenting the award, former Wales international and current Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister delivered the verdict of the night: “There are not enough superlatives to describe Jess. She has won titles wherever she has gone. She is a role model. She is our best ever footballer.”
The numbers back it up. Fishlock won 166 caps and scored 48 goals for Wales before stepping away from the national side last year — after finally leading her country to a first-ever appearance at a major finals, Euro 2025.
Unable to attend the Cardiff gala, Fishlock sent a video message calling the honour “huge,” and insisted that reaching Euro 2025 was the best achievement of her glittering career, adding that “doing something with your people sets it apart from everything else.” She is now set to join Rhian Wilkinson’s coaching staff for next month’s play-offs with Norway as Wales chase a first-ever women’s World Cup appearance.
Chris Coleman and a Night Heavy on Welsh Football History
Coleman, appointed Wales manager in 2012 following the death of Gary Speed, was honoured for “bringing the nation together” as the men’s side qualified for its first major tournament in 58 years. Under him, Wales rose from 117th in the Fifa rankings to eighth in the world.
The football theme ran deep on a fitting night — the event took place in the 150th anniversary year of the Football Association of Wales, in front of former inductees including rugby great Sir Gareth Edwards. Also inducted were ex-Swansea forward Alan Curtis, former Burnley winger and Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn, dual international Nia Jones, and Mickey Thomas himself, honoured for a 51-cap career — while Thomas also collected the late Joey Jones’s award on behalf of the 1976 European Championship quarter-final side, alongside posthumous honours for Dai Davies, Leighton James, and referee Mervyn “Sandy” Griffiths.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.