Matildas star Mackenzie Arnold opens up on ‘lonely’ challenge of playing as a goalkeeper

Matildas star Mackenzie Arnold has opened on the “mentally challenging” aspect of playing goalkeeper.

Arnold became a household name after a brilliant performance at last year’s Women’s World Cup that included saving three spot kicks in the epic quarter-final penalty shootout against France, which was the longest in World Cup history.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mackenzie Arnold speaks to The Morning Show.

The 30-year-old has cemented herself as Australia’s No.1 keeper, but admitted it hasn’t always been an easy position to play.

“It can definitely be a bit of a challenging and lonely position for sure,” she told The Morning Show.

“You definitely have your ups and downs. It’s a position that I probably would say is very mentally challenging sometimes, you can get in your own head, especially when the ball’s up the other end for however long at a time.

“It can definitely be challenging. But I guess if you look at moments like the World Cup, it can be really rewarding as well.

“So yeah, it has its perks.”

It’s also a challenge for Arnold’s family with the shot-stopper revealing her mum couldn’t watch the famous shoot-out against France last year.

“I think it was the quarter-final that my mum actually had to get up and walk out, I don’t think she could watch the rest of the shootout,” she said.

“And then when I saw my dad and my brother after the game, they were just crying, which I’ve never seen before.

“So I can only imagine the emotions that they were going through and I’m sure it was pretty hard for them.”

Funnily enough, Arnold didn’t always want to be a goalkeeper.

She previously played as a left-back growing up, but made the switch after not being good enough to make rep teams.

“I played a lot of rugby league with my brother growing up, so I was used to catching the ball and using my hands and all of that,” she said.

“So it just sort of was fitting to me. And after the first couple of games, I just loved it. And yeah, the ball just sort of went rolling from there.”

Her background of playing as an outfield player has certainly helped her career. She was even brought on as a midfielder during a game for West Ham in 2021.

Arnold has recently released an autobiography, which shares her inspiring rise to the top of the sport.

The book features contributions from her family, her partner Kirsty Smith and NRL great Darren Lockyer.

“Kirsty actually was training at the time and she’s got a story in the book about how she had everyone on the sideline keeping her updated on the score,” she said.

“And then I’ve got pieces from like Darren Lockyer, who’s someone that I’ve looked up to my whole life and to see his perspective on it.

“Honestly, there’s so many parts of it that I didn’t expect being even my book that is so special to me, and I guess I was lucky to be a part of and have them contribute as well.”