Melbourne City FC has secured one of Australian football’s most recognisable names, with Matildas star Cortnee Vine signing with the Club for the 2026/27 campaign.
Vine returns home following two seasons in the United States with North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), bringing experience from one of the world’s strongest domestic competitions.
The 28-year-old arrives in Melbourne with 30 Matildas caps and three international goals to her name, representing Australia at both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
It was at the World Cup where Vine etched her name into Australian sporting history during the Matildas’ unforgettable run to the Semi Finals.
In front of more than 49,000 fans in Brisbane and millions watching around the country, Vine calmly converted the decisive penalty against France to seal a dramatic 7-6 shootout victory and send Australia through to its first-ever World Cup Semi Final.
Vine also returns as one of the Ninja A-League’s most accomplished players, having made more than 100 appearances and won three Premierships and two Championships before making the move to the NWSL in 2024.
She went on to make 23 appearances and score twice for North Carolina Courage between 2024 and 2026, adding further experience at a high level before now returning to Australian football.
Renowned for her explosive pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, Vine adds another dimension to Michael Matricciani’s attacking options as City prepares to defend its Premiership and Championship titles in 2026/27.
Her arrival also provides a major boost ahead of City’s third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign as the Club continues to target success both domestically and on the continental stage.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said attracting a player of Vine’s calibre back to Australia was a significant signing for the Club.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Cortnee to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“To attract a player of Cortnee’s calibre back to Australia is a significant signing for our Club and reflects the environment and standards that have been built within our Women’s program.
“Her pace, directness and ability to threaten opposition defences will add another dimension to our attack, while she also brings valuable experience from representing the Matildas on the biggest stage and competing in one of the world’s strongest leagues.
“Cortnee knows what it takes to win in this competition and we’re delighted to add a player of her quality to our squad as we look to compete for more silverware both domestically and in Asia.”
Vine said she was excited to return home and begin her Melbourne City journey.
“I’m really excited to be coming home and joining Melbourne City,” Vine said.
“I’ve watched what City has achieved over the last few seasons and the standards this group continues to set, so the opportunity to come into that environment and be part of a team competing for trophies was really exciting to me.
“My time in the NWSL has helped me grow both as a player and a person, and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences back to Australia.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, get out on the pitch and do everything I can to help bring more success to the Club.”
