Clare Polkinghorne

Clare Polkinghorne
OAM
Polkinghorne playing for Australia at the 2017 Algarve Cup
Personal information
Full name Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne
Date of birth (1989-02-01) 1 February 1989
Place of birth Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
Wynnum Wolves
Capalaba Bulldogs
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003 Brisbane Toro
2004 Queensland Lions
2004–2008 Queensland Academy of Sport
2008–2021 Brisbane Roar 139 (17)
2014INAC Kobe Leonessa (loan)
2015 Portland Thorns 9 (0)
2018–2019 Houston Dash 18 (0)
2020 Avaldsnes IL 15 (1)
2021–2023 Vittsjö GIK 56 (7)
2024 Kristianstads DFF 26 (2)
International career
2006–2007 Australia U-20 14 (0)
2006–2024 Australia 169 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 December 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 December 2024

Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne OAM (born 1 February 1989) is an Australian former professional soccer player who played as a defender. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Chinese Taipei on 7 December 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game, she extended this record with 169 appearances since her debut in 2006. She continues her club career at Kristianstad. Polkinghorne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for "service to football".