Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) has tonight crowned Lydia Williams with the union’s most prestigious accolade and highest individual honour, the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medal, at a gala event in Sydney.
The event, held on Monday night at Doltone House on Darling Harbour, celebrated and recognised Williams’ outstanding contribution to Australian football, alongside footballers who have made a significant impact on the game through community involvement, education, and personal and professional development.
The evening centred on Williams’ profound impact on Australian football, with her decorated career at both club and international level recognised alongside her trailblazing achievements through the PFA.
The event coincided with the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and a series of events hosted in Australia by FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, of which the PFA is a member.
More than 170 guests were in attendance to see Williams receive the honour, including international representatives from FIFPRO, members of the Australian football community, A-League clubs, Football Australia, fans and partners.
PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch paid tribute to Williams’ exceptional achievements and leadership.
“Lydia’s impact on football in Australia is immense,” Busch said.
“Over the past two decades, Lydia made history by leading her teammates through the first strike by a national sporting team in the country’s history.
“During her time on the PFA Executive over the last decade, Lydia played a critical role in securing equal pay for the Matildas and Socceroos in 2019, and was instrumental in the landmark 2023 National Teams Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Many people say they want to leave the game in a better place than they found it, but there is no question that Lydia has delivered an extraordinary and lasting positive impact.
“Lydia is courageous, principled and inspiring, and her legacy will shape the future of the game for generations to come.”
Williams’ fellow former Matilda Sally Davis was awarded the PFA Beyond Bank Community Medal for her work raising awareness of ovarian cancer, while six current and former players received the Craig Foster and Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships.
Davis was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has since dedicated the past three years to raising awareness of the disease and promoting greater understanding of its signs and symptoms.
She has led several initiatives, including the ‘Give A Kick for Ovarian Cancer’ fundraising and awareness campaign held in February, a 21-day challenge that mobilised the football community. Davis received $2,500 from Beyond Bank to support her ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Beyond Bank Community Medal, first introduced in 2017, recognises the outstanding contribution PFA members make within their communities and reflects the PFA’s commitment to ensuring football delivers positive social impact.
Rounding out the night’s award recipients, Josie Wilson and Chloe Berryhill were awarded Craig Foster Scholarships, while Andrew Redmayne, Francis De Vries, Cushla Rue and Emma Robers received Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships.
The PFA Craig Foster Scholarships are awarded annually to members who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the objectives of the PFA throughout their playing careers and who are pursuing post‑playing pathways in human rights, media, and social and community impact.
The PFA Kimon Taliadoros Scholarships are awarded annually to players who demonstrate excellence in their off‑field development, including education, business pursuits and community involvement.
