Jess Fishlock enters Welsh Sports Hall of Fame before club retirement

Jess Fishlock has been inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame ahead of her retirement from club football, BBC Sport Wales reported. The 39-year-old was honoured at a Cardiff gala alongside Chris Coleman, who guided the Wales men's team to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_Kgo-iHlLI

The Hall of Fame made an exception to its usual practice of recognising retired athletes. BBC Sport reported that boxer Joe Calzaghe was the only previous recipient of the same dispensation. Fishlock, who is completing her final season with Seattle Reign, sent a video message, with the award collected on her behalf.

Fishlock ended her Wales playing career with national records of 166 appearances and 48 goals. Her international retirement followed Wales' first major finals appearance at Euro 2025. Presenting the honour, former Wales international and Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister praised both her achievements and her influence as a role model.

The recognition comes as Fishlock moves towards a different role with the national team. She is set to assist Rhian Wilkinson's coaching staff for the World Cup qualifying play-offs against Norway, according to the new BBC report. Fishlock said she wanted to help Wales reach the women's World Cup for the first time, while acknowledging the difficulty of the opposition.

That transition has already included practical experience. In a September report, BBC Sport said Fishlock had worked as a technical assistant for Wales' opening match of this qualifying campaign against the Czech Republic in March. Wilkinson had also made clear that a return to the squad would be as a coach, despite Fishlock jokingly offering to reverse her international retirement.

Her final club season has brought another individual milestone. BBC Sport reported in September that two goals against Boston Legacy took Fishlock to 52 regular-season goals for Seattle Reign, surpassing Megan Rapinoe's previous club record. Wilkinson praised her continuing ability but said the decision to step away from international football after Wales' European Championship qualification had been right. The Hall of Fame honour therefore arrives while Fishlock is still contributing on the pitch and preparing to support Wales from the coaching staff.