#27 Athlete Melissa Barbieri – “Matildas Legend”

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Today we chat with Australian soccer icon, Melissa Barbieri, or Bubs as she is known.

At the age of 44, Bubs is still playing professional football AND winning trophies like the 2024 ALW Premiership with Melbourne City.

With career highlights that include 4 FIFA Women’s World Cup, an Olympic games, 2 Asian Cups including being the captain of the 2010 team that were crowned champions, Bubs has got so much experience and wisdom to share with the younger generation.

Outside of playing, she is also coaching and having started her Pro Diploma, a second career as a professional coach isn’t too far away, although she has no plans to stop her love of playing just yet!

Ok, Let’s Go

Melissa Barbieri Bio

Athlete:

• Australia A League Women’s (2008 - present)
  • 15 seasons
  • Melbourne Victory
  • Newcastle Jets
  • Adelaide United
  • Melbourne City (Champions 2018, 2020, Premiers 2019, 2023)
• Alex Tobin OAM Medal for leadership, commitment, achievement & dedication to football. 
• Still playing professional football at aged 44.
• Australia Matildas (86 caps)
  • World Cups 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015
  • Olympic Games 2004
  • Asian Cup 2006, 2010
    • Champions 2010 (also captain)

Coach:

• Assistant coach for Melbourne City ALW
• Head coach Haileybury College
• AFC Pro Diploma Candidate 2024/25

Chapters -

0.40 Gareth & Bubs’ connection story

4.30 Finding Joy into daily work

9.20 Being proactive to find help

15.00 Seeking out extended environments 

18.00 Bubs’ illustrious Matildas career 

25.20 Leadership

31.45 Being a HP athlete and a mum

33.00 Player / Coach balance

42:25 Interactions with parents & support networks

50.00 Rapid Fire Questions 

Chapters

• 4:30 Finding Joy into daily work
• 9:20 Being proactive to find help
• 15:00 Seeking out extended environments
• 18:00 Bubs’ illustrious Matildas career
• 25:20 Leadership
• 31:45 Being a HP athlete and a mum
• 33:00 Player / Coach balance
• 42:25 Interactions with parents & support networks
• 50:00 Rapid Fire Questions