Cortnee Brooke Vine has transitioned from a domestic standout into one of the most recognizable figures in Australian sport. Known for her game-breaking electric pace and a single, nation-stopping moment of composure during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vine represents the fearless, forward-thinking evolution of the Matildas’ attack. After anchoring a trophy-laden dynasty with Sydney FC, her recent move to the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL marks her arrival on the world’s elite professional stage. Beyond her physical gifts, Vine is increasingly respected for her candor regarding mental health and her commitment to maintaining a balanced identity outside of the football bubble.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Cortnee Brooke Vine
- Place of Birth: Victoria, Australia
- Position: Forward / Right Winger
- Current Club: North Carolina Courage
- National Team: Australia (Matildas)
The Story So Far
Cortnee Vine’s journey began in Victoria before her family relocated to Queensland when she was seven years old. Her talent was evident early, as she progressed through the Queensland Academy of Sport and made her professional debut at just 16. However, the road to stardom was not linear. Vine has been open about her early-career struggles, admitting that around age 19, the intense pressure to reach the national team caused her to “fall out of love” with the game.
The turning point arrived in 2020 when she signed for Sydney FC. Under the bright lights of the A-League Women, she transformed from a promising talent into a domestic powerhouse, winning five major trophies in four seasons. This resurgence paved the way for her Matildas debut in early 2022. Her trajectory reached its zenith on August 12, 2023, during the World Cup quarter-final against France. Stepping up as the 10th penalty taker in the longest shootout in the tournament’s history, Vine—who had never scored a penalty in a senior game—calmly slotted the ball home to send Australia to its first-ever semi-final.
In late 2024, Vine made a massive call to prioritize her mental health, taking a temporary break from the game. Her successful return to football in 2025 and her subsequent selection for the Paris Olympic Games demonstrated a powerful model of resilience and high-performance management.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Vine is a tactical disruptor whose primary weapon is elite, game-breaking speed. While she primarily operates as a right-winger, her high-end acceleration and exceptional balance allow her to remain in control while dribbling at top speed, making her a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Her value to a team extends beyond traditional statistics through what is known as the gravity effect. Because defenders must respect her ability to exploit the space behind the backline, the entire opposing defense is often forced to drop deeper. This vertical stretching of the pitch creates crucial pockets of space in the midfield for technical creators like Mary Fowler or Katrina Gorry to operate with more time and vision. Directly attacking the space and relentlessly pressuring the backline, Vine’s presence alone often creates the chaos necessary for her teammates to flourish.
Future Outlook
As of late 2025, Vine is establishing herself in the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage. While her initial goal returns in the United States have been modest compared to her prolific Sydney FC years, her transition to a more physical and faster league is a natural step in her development. Near-term expectations involve her further integrating into the Courage’s tactical setup while remaining a vital, direct threat for the Matildas as they build toward future major tournaments.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Team Honours (Sydney FC)
- A-League Women Premiership: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
- A-League Women Championship: 2022–23, 2023–24
Individual Honours
- PFA A-League Women Team of the Season: 2020–21, 2021–22 (Captain), 2022–23 (Captain), 2023–24
- PFA A-League Women Player of the Month: December 2021, March 2023
- A-League Women Goal of the Year: 2018–19
- AFC Women’s Player of the Year: 2023 Nominee
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Club | Years | League | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Brisbane Roar | 2015–2017 | A-Lea gue Women | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Newcastle Jets | 2017–2019 | A-League Women | 21 | 4 | N/A |
| W. Sydney Wanderers | 2019–2020 | A-League Women | 12 | 2 | N/A |
| Sydney FC | 2020–2024 | A-League Women | 65 | 30 | 19 |
| Sydney Olympic (loan) | 2022 | NPL NSW | 13 | 5 | N/A |
| North Carolina Courage | 2024–Present | NWSL | 20 | 2 | N/A |
