Matildas World Cup mural in Brisbane fiercely divides opinion

A controversial tribute to the Matildas has been unveiled at Suncorp Stadium, sparking a fierce reaction across the football world.

The Queensland Government has sparked a fierce reaction after unveiling a tribute to the Matildas at Suncorp Stadium.

Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk first floated the idea of a statue for the Australian football team after its thrilling run to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals on home soil.

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Already among Australia’s most popular sporting outfits, the Matildas became front and backpage news during the global tournament and their fourth-placing was easily the best performance by an Aussie side at a senior FIFA World Cup.

The statue idea quickly received heavy criticism in some circles, however, with many believing there were other more worthy recipients and fourth place didn’t warrant a permanent tribute.

Yet the state government pushed on with the idea and opted for a mural, rather than a statue, that will sit alongside tributes to Wally Lewis, John Eales and Allan Langer at Suncorp Stadium.

This is the moment the mural was based upon. Picture Lachie Millard

The mural attempts to capture the moment the Aussie squad celebrated and raced towards substitute Cortnee Vine after she converted the winning penalty against France at the Brisbane stadium to put the Matildas into the final four.

The Tillies’ official X account posted a photo of the moment at the time with the caption: “Hang it in the Louvre.”

Instead, Queensland has bolted it to a wall and the 5.5m long, 2.1m wide impression drew an intense reaction after current Queensland Premier Steven Miles unveiled it on Tuesday, alongside Matilda Tameka Yallop and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman.

Football commentator Simon Hill tweeted: “A statue is nice (we don’t have too many), but really, we should be demanding more than this as a legacy in Qld. We continue to take national team games to Brisbane, despite the game being treated so poorly there.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman unveil the tribute. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Matilda Tameka Yallop, who is part of the mural, was also at Suncorp Stadium.

Sports journalist Greg Pritchard wrote: “FMD it’s crooked! Unless it’s just leaning up against a wall for the time being!”

Another sports reporter, Mark Gottlieb, wrote: “I had low expectations for this Matildas mural outside Suncorp Stadium but not even I expected… what this is.”

Gottlieb had well over 200 comments and 650 likes for his post alone, following it up with his own comment showing two other murals he felt were better, adding the caption: “Being made of metal doesn’t make it better.”

Even though the team’s performance was a massive boost to women’s sport and football in general in Australia, many people commenting were desperate to point out the Matildas hadn’t won the tournament.

“Legacy? They didn’t win anything.. they didn’t even place,” was one comment on X.

Another asked: “They came 4th and it looks cheap. Why are we celebrating participation.”

A third wrote angrily: “What a joke!!”

Both of these are better.

Being made of metal doesn’t make it better. pic.twitter.com/z9gewNQXon

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) September 24, 2024

Some had taken more of an issue with the quality of the mural itself, with more than one comparing it to an infamous bust of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“You can’t even tell what it is,” was one comment.

“It’s about as insulting as a token gesture can be. Even print out a photo and laminate it would look better,” offered another.

There were some supporters of course, including some who wondered what the fuss was all about.

“What is the problem with this mural?” was another comment. “I get that the unveiling was a bit hokey but why are people so upset with the mural itself? Is it just because it’s in bronze?

“For mine it’s very much inline with the Wally Lewis and John Eales statues at Suncorp.”

Another offered simply: “What’s the problem with that? Looks OK to me.”

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was also at the unveiling. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Another reasoned: “Painting will not last, a copper mural will stand the test of time. Murals to defence and other important people are done in copper all the time. A statue they would have had to choose one or two members. Don’t see what is wrong with it.”

For the record, the official statement from the Queensland government said the permanent tribute celebrates the Matildas’ “extraordinary impact on women and girls’ sport”.

“It’s fitting that now their success will be immortalised where the action happened,” said Miles.

“It’s important that we recognise the outstanding achievement of the Matildas for the next generation – inspiring more women and girls to get involved in football.

“The next time you’re at Suncorp, visit this incredible tribute and feel the enduring pride to be an Australian.”