One of Football Victoria's all-time great heroes is coming home, as Football Australia today confirmed the appointment of Joe Montemurro as the 15th full time Head Coach of the CommBank Matildas following a global search for the next leader of Australian Senior Women’s National Team.
One of the world’s most respected coaches, Montemurro returns home after a highly successful decade in Europe where he led Arsenal WFC, Juventus FC Women, and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin to success and developed a reputation for progressive, high-quality football.
Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer, Heather Garriock, said the appointment comes at a critical time in Australian football, with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on the horizon and an exciting four-year cycle that also includes the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ and the LA 2028™ Olympic Games.
“Joe brings world-class experience, a deep understanding of the Australian football landscape, and a genuine connection to our national identity.”
“Importantly, he has spent the last decade coaching at the very highest levels of the women’s game in Europe and brings with him an unparalleled understanding of what is required to compete and succeed at the top of modern football."
“Joe has shown an ability to build high-performing teams that play with tactical clarity and attacking intent, and we believe his vision and values are the perfect fit to lead the next era of the CommBank Matildas with professionalism, vision, and distinction."
“We undertook a considered and rigorous process to ensure we would secure the strongest candidate to lead one of the most beloved national teams. It was about getting the right coach, not the first coach.”
A UEFA Pro licensed and Football Australia / AFC A Licensed coach, Montemurro’s appointment marks a full circle moment for the Melbourne-born coach, who began his women’s football coaching career at Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC. His first taste of success came in the 2015/16 season as he guided City to an undefeated championship-winning season in the A-League Women competition.
He then made history in 2017 as the first Australian to manage Arsenal’s Women’s Team, lifting multiple trophies during his tenure including the Women’s Super League during the 2018/19 season.
In 2021 Montemurro joined Juventus Women where success continued to follow as he led them to the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season, several domestic cup triumphs, and a rise in continental competitiveness. 2024 saw him appointed as head coach of European powerhouse Olympique Lyon where this year he was at the helm as the team claimed the 2024/25 domestic league title in France.
The new CommBank Matildas Head Coach said he is both honoured and humbled to lead the women's national team going forward.
“To be appointed Head Coach of the CommBank Matildas is the honour of a lifetime.”
“This team means so much to so many Australians, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter. I’ve followed their incredible journey closely and am energised by the passion, resilience, and identity they’ve built."
“There’s a generation of talent coming through and major tournaments on the horizon. My job is to honour the legacy, harness the momentum, and help this team play football that inspires and unites the country.”
Montemurro will formally commence his role on 16 June 2025, first taking charge of the CommBank Matildas for the June/July FIFA Women’s International Window as they continue building towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
Football Australia Board Member and Chair of the Football Development Committee Mr. Sam Ciccarello thanked the Committee for their hard work idetifying and securing the right person for the job.
"The Football Development Committee has led a thorough process to appoint the new CommBank Matildas Head Coach."
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the Committee for their commitment, expertise, and tireless efforts in identifying the best person to lead the Matildas into this exciting new chapter.”
Further announcements regarding the CommBank Matildas’ coaching and support staff will be made in due course.