What next for Wales legend Fishlock?

Jess Fishlock has declared an interest in moving into full-time coaching [FAW] Jess Fishlock's retirement marks the end of an extraordinary career for Wales' most successful female footballer. Having confirmed this would be her final season, the 39-year-old bowed out after her club Seattle Reign were beaten 1-0 by Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) play-offs. She retired from international football in 2025 as her country's most capped (166) and record goal-scorer (48). Her 24-year career began with hometown club Cardiff City in 2002 and spanned eight countries and featured Champions League success with FFC Frankfurt and Olympique Lyonnais and three NWSL Shields with Seattle. But what is Fishlock's football legacy and what does the future have in store for her? Play again for Wales? Fishlock has previously held player-coach roles at Cardiff City Ladies and Melbourne Victory and has spoken of an ambition to follow that path. She inspired the first Wales women's side to reach a major finals as a midfielder at Euro 2025 before retiring soon after. Now she will link up with Rhian Wilkinson's Wales coaching staff for the two-leg World Cup play-off against Norway next month. But her former teammate Kath Morgan believes Fishlock, just two months away from her 40th birthday, could still lead Wales on the pitch. "Really what she has to do is put her boots back on, go to Norway on 5 December and all will be well. That's what I'll be telling her," said Morgan. "I've already spoken to her about it and she's confident that we can do this [qualify]. "Jess will come in as fresh-faced, have a little bit of attention and it will take everything off the players. That's what we want." Morgan added: "For me, she is Welsh football and we've all been lucky enough to work with her. "We know exactly her strengths and the little [times] she needs an arm around her shoulder. But she responds, understands, respects and moves on. Her name will be there in lights." 'A powerful voice' Uefa Vice-President, former Wales international and close friend Laura McAllister believes Fishlock could become a hugely influential figure off the pitch for Welsh football. "What people don't realise is that Jess travelled the world to ensure she played at the suitable levels to be able to play for Wales," McAllister said. "The most important thing for Jess was to be able to play for Wales and to be competitive week in week out so that she was on top of her game." McAllister added: "She deciding what to do next but she told me the only thing she's looking forward to now is returning to Wales for a little while and help Rhian Wilkinson and the team qualify for the World Cup. "But she's someone who could help us with the governance of the game. She should be involved in the rooms where big decisions are made because she has a powerful voice. "She's done everything in the game but isn't afraid of voicing her opinion, saying what others might avoid saying. "But I know Jess really enjoys coaching. So now is the time for her to have a little time at home in Wales and help the squad reach Brazil next year." Wales in fight to retain rising female stars Wales face Denmark and Italy again on League A return