Brisbane Roar are saddened to announce that Laini Freier has decided to move on from football following the conclusion of her NPL QLD season with Brisbane City FC and pursue a career outside of the game.
The club is looking forward to giving Laini a proper goodbye in front of the Brisbane fans at an upcoming Ninja A-League Women’s home game this season.
Freier signed for Roar ahead of the 23/24 season after starring for Brisbane City and winning the NPL QLD Grand Final alongside her sister, Sharn in that competition.
The 24-year-old made her debut away in Wellington before the Freier twins ran out together at Perry Park in Round 6 against the Central Coast Mariners.
After an impressive start to her A-League career, scoring seven goals in nine games and becoming the first player in the competition to score back-to-back hat tricks, Freier earned her first call-up to the CommBank Matildas in February ahead of the SheBelieves Cup in the United States. It was here that she received her first cap for the national team.
The midfielder feels as though now is time for her to move on from this chapter and turn her focus to family and her work career.
“I have been playing football since the age of 5 and feel like it’s time to move on with my life. I have just recently gotten married, built my house with my husband and want to focus more on my work career,” Freier said.
“I just want to be Sharn’s number one supporter wherever she goes, build my family life and spend my time with the ones I love. Football will always have the best memories for me but I’m ready to move on.
“Last year was by far the best year when it has come to my football. I signed my first professional contract with Brisbane Roar, had Sharn by my side and scored a back-to-back hat trick which I will never forget. It was an awesome moment and then I had a dream come true to represent my country as well.
“Thank you to all the fans, I am so grateful that I was able to make my professional debut in front of the Brisbane fans, the best fans in the league. I wish the girls nothing but the best for the future and will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
Speaking on Freier’s departure, Head Coach Alex Smith said: “When I first joined the club, Laini was a player I immediately wanted to bring in as I knew how talented she is.”
“I am happy she got to excel in the A-League Women’s last year. Laini has a conviction on and off the pitch that I respect, and this decision is no different.
“It’s a rare thing at a young age to know what you want and go for it, so I of course wish her all the best and she will always be part of the Roar family.”
Brisbane Roar would like to say thank you to Laini for her contribution to the club and wish her all the best in the future.
