Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the signing of Matildas defender Jessika Nash on a two-year deal, with the 21-year-old joining the Club from Italian side U.S. Sassuolo Calcio.
One of Australia’s most promising young defenders, Nash arrives in Melbourne with significant experience both domestically and abroad, as well as four senior international caps to her name.
Nash made her professional debut with Canberra United in 2020 before going on to make 85 Ninja A-League appearances across five seasons in the competition.
Over that time, she established herself as one of the league’s most consistent young defenders, culminating in a Championship-winning campaign with Central Coast Mariners in 2024/25 before earning a move to Italy’s Serie A Femminile with U.S. Sassuolo Calcio.
Her performances at domestic level have also earned international recognition, with Nash capped four times by the Matildas, making her debut as a 17-year-old against the United States in 2021.
Nash now returns to Australia with valuable overseas experience and further strengthens City’s defensive unit as the reigning Premiers and Champions prepare to defend their domestic titles and compete in a third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Nash’s experience and potential made her an exciting addition to the squad.
“Jessika is a player we’ve admired for a long time, and we’re delighted to bring her to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“Despite only being 21, she’s already built an impressive résumé with significant A-League experience, a Championship, senior international football and a season competing in Italy.
“Jessika still has plenty of room to grow, and we believe our environment is the perfect place for her to continue developing while making an immediate contribution to our team.”
Nash said she was excited to join Melbourne City and continue her development in a successful environment.
“Melbourne City is a Club that has consistently set high standards and competed for trophies, so I’m really excited to be joining this group,” Nash said.
“The ambition of the Club, the quality within the squad and the opportunity to compete for silverware both in Australia and Asia were all big reasons why I wanted to come here.
“I’ve learned a lot from my experience overseas and I’m looking forward to bringing that back with me, continuing to develop my game and doing everything I can to help the Club achieve more success.”
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