International sports superstar looks completely unrecognizable in adorable throwback photo

One of the biggest names in Australia’s sporting world has posted a throwback photo on social media from when they were just the new kid on the block. Can you guess their identity?

The sports star posted a photo dump on Instagram with a series of emojis accompanying the post, including a wide range of images.

One of those photos was of the superstar with a cheeky expression when they were three or four years old, or thereabouts.

The sports star only recently made herself known to the Australian public, became a household name in 2023 and remains more popular than athletes who have been around much longer.

The international superstar published this childhood photo on social media on Tuesday

Their star has risen both internationally and domestically, signing a deal with a major British sports franchise last year.

Although she became an overnight celebrity in her chosen sport, this athlete has also become part of a power couple with one of the biggest names in rugby league.

That last clue should be the giveaway: it’s Matilda’s ace Mary Fowler.

The Manchester City forward exploded onto the Australian scene at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has also found love with NRL star Nathan Cleary.

Fowler was born on February 14, 2003, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, to a football-loving family.

Growing up with four siblings, her passion for the sport was influenced by her older brother, and the family often played football together at Trinity Beach.

Matildas superstar Mary Fowler included the childhood snap in a photo dump, including her stylish new look

Fowler and her boyfriend Nathan Cleary of NRL side Penrith Panthers have become the country’s sporting power couple

At the age of 11, Fowler’s family moved to the Netherlands, where she honed her skills through street football before returning to Australia at the age of 14.

She quickly made a name for herself playing in the NSW Women’s National Premier League, and at the age of 15 made her international debut for the Matildas in the 2018 Tournament of Nations against Brazil.

Fowler’s prodigious talent attracted attention early on and at the age of 16 she was selected for the Matildas squad for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Despite not playing in the tournament, the experience fueled her ambition. She started her professional career with Adelaide United, where she made her debut in the 2019-2020 season.

Shortly afterwards, Fowler moved to France and signed for Montpellier HSC, before landing a contract with Manchester City in 2022, cementing her presence in the Women’s Super League.

Fowler was always a fan of football, even in rugby league-mad far north Queensland

The 21-year-old now plays for Manchester City and is an international star for the Matildas

Her international career continued to flourish as she competed in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, scoring a crucial goal against Great Britain in the quarter-finals.

Fowler’s exceptional performance earned her the PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2022.

By the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Fowler had become a crucial player for the Matildas. She scored her first World Cup goal against Canada, helping the team reach the last four in the absence of injured skipper Sam Kerr.

Off the field, Fowler is known for her creativity and love of new cultures, having lived in several countries.

In 2023, her personal life became the subject of media attention when she started dating Cleary.

Their relationship, exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Australia, has since become a topic of public interest, with both athletes maintaining a relatively private but supportive partnership.

Despite the criticism, Fowler remains focused on her career, balancing her commitments with Manchester City and the Australian national team.