Matildas hero Michelle Heyman and partner Christine Aldridge announce engagement
Matildas veteran Michelle Heyman has capped off a whirlwind few months by announcing her engagement to longtime partner Christine Aldridge.
Heyman and Aldrige, who have been together for five years, announced the happy news with a joint post on Instagram on Wednesday night.
They shared a photo of Heyman kissing her partner on the cheek while showing off the sparkly new engagement ring.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The caption simply read, “6/9/24”, which was the date of their engagement.
The post was flooded with likes and comments from thousands of fans, including a host of Matildas teammates and Olympic swimmer Shayna Jack.
Katrina Gorry said: “Love love love. Congratulations my favourite people 🥹🥹.”
Chloe Logarzo said: “Congratulations darls.”
Fellow Matildas Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter and Amy Sayer also commented, while Olympic gold medallist Jack added: “Congratulations to you both 🥰.”
The happy news comes just a week after Heyman re-signed with Canberra United.
The 36-year-old was linked to an overseas move with West Ham when she appeared in the English club’s colours for a promotional email about the new season.
But the move never eventuated and she stayed at Canberra on a marquee contract — ensuring she will be paid a top wage outside the salary cap — for the third straight year.
“The deal (with West Ham) was just to December and for myself, if I was to sign that deal, the transfer window wouldn’t allow me to play in Australia,” she told A-Leagues.
“So it was a big decision ... if I was to sign the contract with West Ham, then I wouldn’t be able to play football until April, when the season is over.
“For me, playing games is more important.”
Heyman’s new contract comes after a stellar 2023-24 season in which she scored a league-best 17 goals and came out of international retirement in the wake of Sam Kerr’s ACL injury.
The goals continue to flow in green and gold, with Heyman scoring the winner in the Matildas’ dramatic 6-5 win over Zambia during the team’s ill-fated Olympic campaign.
She remains the all-time leading scorer in the A-League Women with 110 goals.
The new season kicks off in the first weekend of November.
