The Matildas' long wait for a permanent head coach is over, with Football Australia appointing highly respected manager Joe Montemurro to lead the national side.
Despite having a contract with Lyon until 2027, Montemurro departed the French giants at the end of the past European season.
He will now return to his homeland in a high-profile move.
Here's what you need to know about the Matildas' new coach.
MORE: When do the Matildas play next?
Who is Joe Montemurro? Career, bio of new Matildas coach
Montemurro was widely considered the strongest candidate for the job during the Matildas' search.
The Melbourne-born coach had a brief junior career in Australia before pursuing opportunities in Europe. He spent the bulk of his playing career in the Italian non-professional leagues.
Montemurro returned to Australia to kick-start his transition to coaching, taking a head coach role with the Caroline Springs George Cross men's side in 2006. He remained in the semi-professional set-up with Coburg United before heading abroad to Papua New Guinea club Port Moresby.
A switch to the women's game followed, snaring the top job with A-League side Melbourne Victory in 2015.
Just one year later, he switched to cross-town rivals Melbourne City. After a historic undefeated season, where they conceded just five goals, Montemurro began assisting the men's side in 2016. He eventually became their chief assistant coach and relinquished his role as the women's head coach.
The Australian's career took a significant jump when he took over Arsenal's women's side in late 2017. He joined mid-season but took just a handful of months to guide the team to silverware, taking out the Women's League Cup. Arsenal were then named Women's Super League Champions the following season.
After a handful of positive years, Montemurro left the club of his own accord at the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He was back at the helm of a major European team shortly after with Juventus' women's side. The Italian club enjoyed a historic first season under the new coach, winning the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
Montemurro left Juventus in early 2024 despite having two years remaining on his contract and joined powerhouse club Lyon months later. Considered the strongest women's club in Europe, it was arguably the biggest appointment of his career. He guided them to the French league title before exiting his contract early to head up the Matildas.
"To be appointed head coach of the Matildas is the honour of a lifetime," Montemurro said on Monday.
"This team means so much to so many Australians, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter. I’ve followed their incredible journey closely and am energised by the passion, resilience, and identity they’ve built.
"There’s a generation of talent coming through and major tournaments on the horizon. My job is to honour the legacy, harness the momentum, and help this team play football that inspires and unites the country."
Joe Montemurro trophies won
Melbourne City Women
- W-League Premiers – 2015/16
- W-League Champions – 2015/16
Arsenal Women
- FA Women's Super League Champions – 2018/19
- Women's League Cup Champions – 2017/18
Juventus Women
- Serie A Champions – 2021/22
- Coppa Italia Champions – 2021/22, 2022/23
- Supercoppa Italiana Champions – 2021/22, 2023/24
Olympique Lyonnais Women
- Division 1 Féminine Champions – 2024/25
Joe Montemurro play style, tactics
Montemurro's play style is progressive and proactive.
He generally likes his teams to dominate possession of the ball and defend on the front foot.
The Australian is also known for preferring to operate with a relatively tight squad that includes versatile players.
Montemurro typically has his sides well-drilled and prepared, with clear phases and combinations.
"Joe brings world-class experience, a deep understanding of the Australian football landscape, and a genuine connection to our national identity," Football Australia interim CEO Heather Garriock said.
"Importantly, he has spent the last decade coaching at the very highest levels of the women’s game in Europe and brings with him an unparalleled understanding of what is required to compete and succeed at the top of modern football.
"Joe has shown an ability to build high-performing teams that play with tactical clarity and attacking intent, and we believe his vision and values are the perfect fit to lead the next era of the Matildas with professionalism, vision, and distinction.
"We undertook a considered and rigorous process to ensure we would secure the strongest candidate to lead one of the most beloved national teams. It was about getting the right coach, not the first coach."
Joe Montemurro age
Montemurro is 55 years old.
He was born on September 13, 1969.