Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary are two of Australia’s most famous athletes. Together, they have become a sports power couple whose journey has been full of love, strength, and constant public attention. Their story continues to fascinate fans all over the country, from ice cream dates on the Nepean River to Fowler’s fight back from an ACL injury.
The Start of a Modern Sports Romance
In August 2023, rumours started to spread when Fowler, a rising star for the Matildas, was seen getting ice cream with Cleary, a halfback for the Penrith Panthers. It started out as a simple get-together, but it quickly turned into something more. Pictures of the two of them walking by the river sparked rumours of a romance.
By October, Cleary had flown to Perth to help Fowler during the Olympic qualifiers. Many fans had already guessed that this was the start of a serious relationship. The couple was seen holding hands, laughing, and later kissing at Sydney Airport before Christmas.
The Pressures of Fame and Public Scrutiny
People became more interested in them as their bond grew. Cleary, who has already won the Merv Cartwright Medal three times, said that the attention sometimes felt too much, like when paparazzi were outside his house. He was worried about Fowler, who had become famous around the world after the Women’s World Cup. Even though they were under a lot of pressure, the couple kept going out in public together. Fowler officially posted their first Instagram picture as a couple in April 2024.
Their relationship even made teammates joke around in a lighthearted way. Brian To’o joked about an “engagement” at Penrith’s awards night in September 2024, which led to even more rumours. But behind the headlines, Cleary and Fowler were determined to keep their relationship real.
Love from a distance and shared dreams
It’s not easy to balance careers on different continents. Fowler’s job with Manchester City in the Women’s Super League kept her in England a lot, while Cleary stayed in Sydney. Both have said that being apart was hard for them, but they found strength in simple things like video calls, sharing jokes, and cheering each other on from afar.
Fowler said that their talks often turned to deeper subjects like life and psychology. These were the things that helped them get through both being far apart and being in the public eye.
Rumours, Family Plans, and Support from the Public
Fowler and Cleary, like many famous couples, have had rumours of a breakup that won’t go away. In the middle of 2024, people on social media noticed that Cleary wasn’t responding to Fowler’s posts. In 2025, tabloids wondered why he wasn’t there to greet her at the airport. But Fowler was soon seen cheering for him at Panthers games, which showed how close they were.
The couple has talked openly about their hopes for the future, despite the noise. Cleary has said that he wants to start a family after football and called Fowler the “best mum.” Fowler said in May 2025 that her dream was to have both biological and adopted children, which echoed what she had said before.
Fowler’s ACL injury and amazing recovery
Fowler’s career has been like a roller coaster, but her personal life has not. In April 2025, she tore her ACL badly during the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Manchester United. The injury ended what had been her best season so far, with 10 goals and a spot on the PFA WSL Team of the Year.
It usually takes up to a year for ACL injuries to heal. But Fowler shocked fans by going back to training only four months after surgery. She was very positive when she talked about her time at Manchester City’s pre-season camp, calling her injury a “upgrade” instead of a setback. Sam Kerr and Alex Greenwood, her teammates, cheered her on, and her strength became one of the most inspiring stories in Australian football.
The Path to the 2026 Asian Cup
Fowler’s return comes at the perfect time for the Matildas as they work towards the 2026 Asian Cup in their own country. Coach Joe Montemurro has said good things about her progress and thinks she might be back before November 2025. Fowler’s presence could be very important for Australia, which has tough opponents like Japan, China, and South Korea.
Fans are already dreaming of winning the trophy again, and Fowler’s return gives them hope and energy.
An Inspiring Couple
Fowler and Cleary’s story is more than just a headline romance. It starts with their first date in Western Sydney and goes on to show how they support each other through injuries, long-distance problems, and constant speculation. They are strong, loyal, and able to do well under stress.
Fowler’s quick recovery and Cleary’s leadership of the Panthers make their relationship both a love story and a sign of strength. No matter what people say, their journey together shows that even the most public of relationships can last if you have support, patience, and commitment.
Originally Published On AUBURNTIMES
