NWSL MVP Jess Fishlock considering a career in politics post-soccer

Reigning NWSL MVP Jess Fishlock stopped by ITV’s ‘Face to Face’ this week, where she revealed that she is interested in a career in politics following her eventual retirement from soccer.

Football legend @JessFishlock is "looking into" a career in politics and says she wants to "have a bigger impact - not just in the football world". pic.twitter.com/HwcmbWmwJG

— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) January 25, 2022

“I’m looking into it,” she said when asked if she would ever consider entering politics. “I think as I’ve grown older and seen the way society is going, I definitely want to have a bigger impact in not just the football world. I definitely want to try and create a bigger change.”

The 2021 NWSL MVP, Fishlock has played professionally for over 15 years. She spent the last nine seasons with OL Reign, playing in more than 140 matches for the club. Recently, the midfielder signed a contract extension through 2023.

But that doesn’t mean that Fishlock isn’t thinking about what she wants to do after soccer. When asked about the possibility of coaching, Fishlock said that while she’s intrigued by the prospect, she’s also looking at other areas of the game.

“I think I would be better served more in the boardrooms and helping the people who get to influence decisions,” she said. “I just feel that with my experience and everything that I have gone through, in so many different countries and watching so many different federations do things in completely different ways – and there’s no right or wrong, you can do whatever you want to do in different ways – but for me in the women’s game, one thing I feel we really lack is the right people in the right positions who really understand the game.

“I’ve played women’s football now for 20 years. I’ve been a pro for over 15. I’ve played in so many different countries. My experience in those positions, I believe, will help us move in the right way for women’s football. Because it’s a completely different game.”