Kyra cooney-cross honours mother in Arsenal return

Kyra Cooney-Cross, an Australian midfielder for Arsenal, played her first Women’s Super League game in London since taking leave to be with her mother, Jess, who died from cancer earlier this year.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace drew 0-0, but the game held personal meaning for Cooney-Cross. She shared a message from her mother with fans in the match day program, expressing gratitude for the support her family received.

Cooney-Cross had received permission from Arsenal manager Renee Slegers for compassionate leave in March, allowing her to return to Australia and spend time with her mother after the Asian Cup. Before the match, teammates and fans welcomed Cooney-Cross back to the team with support. In her note, Cooney-Cross’s mother encouraged her daughter to rediscover the joy and freedom she felt playing soccer as a child, focusing on the love of the game rather than external pressures.

Cooney-Cross concluded the message with “It’s for you, Mum,” signing her name beneath it. Arsenal currently stands fifth in the Women’s Super League.