Exclusive: Wales legend Helen Ward on Jess Fishlock legacy and the future of Welsh football | OneFootball

A true legend of Welsh women’s football, Helen Ward was once upon a time the country’s greatest ever goal scorer. A record she lost to none other than her friend and colleague Jess Fishlock.

After 105 international appearances for Wales along with 44 goals, Ward hung up her playing boots in 2023 after a final season with Watford.

Despite her record-breaking career and stints with Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading amongst others, Ward is consistently humble and resistant to much-deserved praise. These are characteristics that made her a solid fan favourite at each club she played for. In fact, Watford were unwilling to see Ward depart, despite her playing days coming to an end. Ward now operates as the club’s head of women’s football.

Jess Fishlock makes history yet again

Wales recently made history as they scored their first ever European Championship goal through Jess Fishlock against France. At 38 years of age, she is also the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euros history. This comes alongside comically being both the youngest and oldest goalscorer for Cymru at a Women’s Euros.

Ward had plenty to say about her former teammate being the one to make history yet again.

“She holds so many records in Welsh women’s football, that it just feels so right that it was her who had that history-making goal,” she told Her Football Hub. “Listening to the squad, you can just tell everyone is so delighted for her.”

ST GALLEN, SWITZERLAND – JULY 09: Josie Green, Jess Fishlock, Gemma Evans and Rachel Rowe. UEFA Womens EURO 2025 Group D match between France and Wales. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

It’s not hard to get a glimpse of Fishlock’s personality from her actions on the pitch and Ward gives a great insight into her leadership qualities.

“The way she ran over to the squad and the bench to celebrate with everyone, she knows it’s not all about her. She appreciates everyone around her who helps her achieve these amazing things so regularly.”

Investment is key to building on Wales Euro campaign

Wales has seen millions of pounds of investment into football infrastructure over recent years. Colliers Park in Wrexham was subject to a huge amount of funding, providing a state of the art training facility. The National Lottery has also been injecting funds into grassroots Welsh women’s football for years now. Ward has reflected on the impact such incentives can have on the community.

Colliers Park facility in Wrexham, Wales. 2025.

“The progress it’s contributing to is huge, women’s football isn’t at the level of men’s yet in terms of commercial revenue or investment so to see such a huge commitment from the National Lottery is vital. It gives the opportunity for young girls to play and train safely in amazing facilities. They’re getting the best of the best to develop themselves as not only players but people too.”

Ward continued to elaborate on the importance of a network of facilities rather than one area seeing a significant portion of funding.

“I think when Welsh football is talked about, it’s quite often Cardiff centric, but there is some real talent in the north too. To now have that facility in Wrexham is very important, I feel.”

Carrie Jones can be just like Jess Fishlock

There is absolutely no debating the fact that Jess Fishlock is the most important Welsh footballer in modern history. The problem is that she’s now 38 years old. However, Ward believes thinks that Wales already have a leader in the dressing room capable of echoing Fishlock’s achievements.

DUBLIN, IRELAND – DECEMBER 03: Carrie Jones celebrates during Republic of Ireland vs Wales at Aviva Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“Carrie Jones is a stand-out player,” Ward stressed. “She made her debut for Wales at 15 so it feels like she’s already been around a very long time but she’s still just 21. She has a huge, totally massive future ahead of her.”

Jones currently plies her trade for IFK Norrköping in the Swedish Damallsvenskan. She has previously represented Manchester United, Leicester City and Bristol City in the Women’s Super League respectively.

Spain backed to claim Euro 2025 crown

When asked who would win the current Euro 2025 campaign, Ward was confident in backing current world champions Spain to nick the trophy.

“Nothing I’ve seen in the tournament so far is making me think anyone other than Spain will win it.”

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It’s only natural with an answer like that, Ward is also backing Spain’s Alèxia Putellas to claim the Golden Boot this tournament.

“She just has this second lease of life after her ACL injury in 2022. She looks the complete player at the moment.”

There’s no shortage of England praise from Ward though, particularly Arsenal’s Alessia Russo.

“If England do get out of the group as expected, then Russo surely has to be up there too. She’s got a couple now. She’s always been a real and dangerous talent. Whoever manages to get to the final obviously has the best opportunity.”

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