Daisy Cleverley, Football Fern number 168, has announced her retirement from football after representing Aotearoa New Zealand for over 12 years at both junior and senior levels.

The 27-year-old midfielder made her debut in October 2014, scoring twice in a win over Tonga at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.

Cleverley went on to make 39 appearances for the Ferns and was selected to represent New Zealand at three senior FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), as well as at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
 

Daisy being presented her FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 shirt (PHOTOSPORT)

Born in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Cleverley played youth football for clubs including Western Springs, Eastern Suburbs, Lynn-Avon United, and Forrest Hill-Milford United (now Northern Rovers).

At just 15, she was selected for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 in Azerbaijan. She was chosen for the same tournament again in 2014, where she scored, and also competed in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and 2016.

After finishing school in Aotearoa, her football career took her to college in the USA with the California Golden Bears, for whom she played over 50 games, and later with the Georgetown Hoyas.

In 2022, she moved to Europe, signing with top-tier Danish side HB Køge. The team won the league that season, part of a run of three consecutive titles in the Danmarksturneringens Kvindeliga/Danish Women’s League.

In September 2024, Cleverley announced her departure from the game to focus on the next stage of her life, stating:

“Ten pretty great years playing for the Football Ferns.

“Feeling incredibly proud and lucky as I step away and reflect on all the experiences this game has given me.

“From the people I’ve met to the places this sport has taken me, one thing’s for sure – women footballers are pretty bloody great.

“Closing this beautiful chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.”