Hayley Raso - from Canberra United to Manchester City

Hayley Raso is living every Australian footballer's dream. The Brisbane-born attacker signed a two-year contract with Manchester City in 2021 after spending the previous 18 months with fellow FA Women's Super League (WSL) team Everton, where she helped them reach the Women's FA Cup final and finish fifth in the 2020/21 season.

When given the chance, the dynamic, passionate, and versatile athlete is capable of so much. Raso securing a deal with Manchester City, donning the No.13 shirt, was without a doubt a dream come true.

Prior to sustaining an injury that kept Raso out for a few months, the winger made an early impact for her team with an assist in her first league game. Her first two City goals came in a 5-0 league win against Aston Villa in 2021, and she earned her first trophy in the Continental Cup against Chelsea in 2022.

"I love playing in the Phantom GX. From the design with the Dynamic Fit collar and hidden laces, to the comfort level and amazing colourways. Definitely one of my all-time favourite Nike boots that I can't wait to showcase at the World Cup."

"Looking ahead, it still feels surreal to be hosting the World Cup in Australia. I'm so looking forward to having the biggest and best teams and footballers in our country for this tournament. I can't wait to play in front of our incredible fans and to continue the push for inspiring and growing the game for young boys and girls in Australia."

Raso established herself as a City mainstay following the Tokyo Olympics. The Matilda quickly recovered from her shoulder injury and has since shown to be a valuable player anytime she steps onto the field. Being a member of a squad with so many talented players is obviously competitive, but it's a task Raso relishes.

With less than four months before the Matildas' World Cup campaign on home turf, Australia is savouring the opportunity to reach the finals. Raso, like many of her Matilda teammates, has excelled in the FA WSL. The Matilda has represented her country since 2012, earning 68 Matildas caps to date. Raso will bring significant experience and talent to the international scene, especially having played in the FA WSL - one of the world's highest quality leagues for women's football.

Raso has witnessed the game's popularity develop firsthand as a Manchester City player and someone who has been plying their trade in England. It's something we want to see more of in Australia, as the Matildas' popularity has grown over the years. The demand to watch the Matildas play live even resulted in a venue upgrade for the opening World Cup game against Ireland, which now must be played at an 80,000-plus capacity stadium.

Being able to recover from a back injury and fear of never being able to walk again, to becoming a Matilda and playing in the World Cup in front of your family and friends on home soil, is a life achievement that few of us could ever imagine. We can't wait to see the Nike athlete in the centre of it all as she represents Australia on home turf. With something big coming for Phantom prior to the World Cup – stay tuned.