Matildas and Arsenal star Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to Australia after her mother Jess was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
The 23-year-old left her club duties at north London club Arsenal to be with her family instead of playing in this weekend’s game against Manchester United and announced the decision on her Instagram account.
Kyra Cooney-Cross at Allianz Stadium in Sydney 2025 before a friendly against South Korea.Credit: Getty Images
“A few days ago, our world changed forever,” Cooney-Cross said. “My amazing mum Jess has been diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). It is a rare and aggressive cancer and there is no cure.”
“My mom is my hero, my best friend, my everything and the person who has shaped every part of who I am. She is the reason I am where I am today, her strength, love and belief in me has carried me through everything. Trying to put into words what she means to me is impossible.”
“I am now back in Australia to be with my mum, sisters and our family as we navigate what comes next. We are all still in shock and learning how to sit with the weight of this news.”
Cooney-Cross said her family has set up an online fundraising page to help support the family and asked that their privacy be respected.
Kyra Cooney-Cross broke the sad news about her mother’s illness.Credit: Instagram
The announcement was met with support from her teammates at Arsenal, the Matildas and across the Women’s Super League. Players left a heart on the post and shared a link to the fundraising page.
Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord were among those who left comments on the post, in which Catley wrote “I love you”. Arsenal team-mate and England striker Beth Mead also left a comment: “We are all with you and your family”. Mead’s mother June died in 2023 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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