Izabella Rako’s rise in the sport is no surprise to her teachers and classmates at John Paul College in Frankston. They’re longtime supporters of her progress, cheering every success – and there’s been plenty to cheer about.
The Year 10 student’s triumphs are the culmination of years of determination and hard work. Growing up in a family rich in soccer culture and heritage, Izabella was always keen to join her dad and older brother kicking a ball in the backyard. At six, too young to compete at a club, her passion was nurtured in Goalkick, a fun program for younger kids developing the fundamental skills needed to progress as a player.
Ever since, Izabella’s trajectory has climbed steadily. After impressive progress at Dandenong City SC and Chelsea FC, she is currently a key attacking midfielder in her age group at professional club South Melbourne FC. Also qualified as a Football Victoria referee, she has a well-rounded perspective of the game.
Last year, she represented Football Victoria at the Nike Premier Cup. One of 16 players invited to take part in the under-15 girls’ tournament at Nike headquarters in the US, she competed against teams from Japan, Mexico, England, Italy, Ghana, Denmark, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Brazil and South Korea.
She’s represented Victoria in the National Youth Championships – renamed the Emerging Matildas Championships – over the past two years, co-captaining the 2024 team when it played at the Home of the Matildas.
This year has so far been non-stop soccer action. From January to May, Izabella had the unforgettable opportunity to train with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Then in July she achieved prominence at the Emerging Matildas Championships, masterfully controlling the ball past several members of the opposing team to score what commentators described as “an absolute stunner” for the first goal of the championships.
Perhaps her biggest highlight was being named as one of seven Victorians in the 33-player extended Junior Matildas squad. Straight off the back of its impressive win in the Asean Under-16 Girls’ Championship, the squad is already eyeing the next prize.
Izabella was also selected as one of 30 players to attend a domestic training camp in Canberra last month – a crucial part of the team’s preparations for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 qualifiers and a pathway to the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in 2026.
Izabella could be forgiven if her head was in the clouds, but she remains remarkably modest and well-grounded. Described by family and friends as kind, generous and loyal, she holds genuine respect for everyone who has supported her on the road to success.
If Izabella achieves her dream of becoming an international soccer player, her authenticity and dedication will make her an exemplary role model for other girls who love the sport – girls who began kicking a ball in the backyard.
