Mary Fowler Opens Up About Racism and Triumph in Autobiography

In her recently published autobiography, *Bloom*, Manchester City and Matildas star Mary Fowler candidly reveals her experiences with racism and differential treatment while playing in France. In the book, she recounts a troubling incident where she and her teammate, Ashleigh Weerden, were presented with bananas instead of the flowers received by other players during a farewell ceremony. To Fowler, this incident was not merely an oversight but part of a pattern of behavior that left her questioning whether she was being unfairly targeted. She also describes moments such as facing disciplinary action for driving home with Weerden, which further fueled her doubts about the unintentional nature of the discriminatory treatment they endured.

Fowler’s challenges were exacerbated when a club physiotherapist dismissed her serious complaints of chest pain, which contributed to her struggles with depression, self-harm, and contemplating a departure from professional soccer. This public revelation coincides with a growing awareness of racism in women’s football, with other players voicing similar experiences.

Fowler reflected on the incident involving the bananas, stating, “When we entered the changing room, some teammates questioned why we hadn’t received any flowers. A few of the girls laughed, and then one player approached my friend and me and handed us bananas, saying, ‘Here, have these.’ Was it an accident? Was it the only option available in the dressing room? Did she intend to be kind? I’ve tried to rationalize it in various ways, but when I consider the numerous instances at the club that left us feeling marginalized, it becomes challenging to view it as merely a mistake.”

At the time, Fowler did not voice her concerns, feeling unable to do so, and noted, “Instead, we just sat there holding those bananas.”

Since joining Manchester City in 2022, Fowler has made a significant impact, featuring in 86 matches and contributing 21 goals and 22 assists. Her standout season last year saw her achieve double-digit goals and assists, earning her a place in the PFA WSL Team of the Year.

Although her season was cut short due to an ACL injury in April, Fowler has secured a contract extension until 2027 as she continues her recovery.

Reflecting on her contract renewal, Fowler expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s really exciting. City has felt like home for me for quite a while now, so I am proud to continue this journey with them. Enjoying my football is integral to my performance, and City has fostered an environment where I can thrive. I love working with my teammates here.”

Therese Sjogran, Manchester City’s Director of Football, emphasized Fowler’s significance to the club, noting, “Mary is an essential figure for us both on and off the pitch, and we are thrilled she has chosen to extend her stay. Her immense talent, coupled with her continuous improvement since joining City, highlights her dedication and work ethic. We are eager to see what the future holds for the team, and Mary will play a pivotal role once she returns to her best after her injury.”