Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark goes from working at McDonald's to Euro 2025
But probably the strangest part of the story is that Clark actually began her international journey with Wales when she was still serving fast food customers in Lincoln.
'I was front of house at McDonald's, on the tills and taking orders,' said Clark, whose next task is to stop Manchester City star Vivianne Miedema and company when Wales meet the Netherlands in their Euro 2025 opener on Saturday.
'I was still doing that when I first got into the Wales set-up.
'I said to them, 'I've got to go now to go to international camp' and they were like, 'What?'.
'It was all very random, but then my whole career's been like that.'
Prep time 🏃♀️ pic.twitter.com/PyxEMoFjCD
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) July 1, 2025
Clark began her football career at local club Lincoln Ladies and switched from her striker role after 'our goalkeeper fell ill one day'.
While she would remain in situ, the team did not as Lincoln Ladies relocated to Nottingham and rebranded.
Clark thought her sporting future might lie in cricket – she had played for Lincolnshire and the Yorkshire Diamonds development team – but was persuaded to train at seventh-tier Boston and progressed up the pyramid via Nettleham, Huddersfield and Coventry United.
By then, her Wales career was up and running.
'I was on Twitter scrolling one day and saw the FAW holding a trial for Under-17s,' said Clark, now 23 and with 30 senior caps to her name ahead of Wales' major tournament bow in Lucerne.
Tournament essentials 🤩🏴 pic.twitter.com/3Ye1hIRiah
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) July 1, 2025
'I said to my dad, 'Mum's Welsh, do you think I could play for Wales?'. He said, 'Of course', so he drove me four-and-a-half hours to Merthyr and I was soon invited to senior camp.
'It's been such an honour to play for Wales because it connects my family.'
Clark's club career has taken her from Coventry – the Championship team were liquidated while she was there – to Bristol City, FC Twente in the Netherlands and back to the Women's Super League at Leicester.
At Twente in the first half of this season she came up against Celtic, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Champions League, getting a sneak preview of the talent coming through the Dutch ranks.
Clark said: 'It was a good level of football, full of young players and an up and coming league.
'It was a dream to play in the Champions League, but the opportunity to come back to the WSL with Leicester was too good to turn down.
'Most of the top Dutch players are elsewhere such as the WSL or the German league, but their young players are technical, physical and very tactically intelligent.
'I think our first game will be quite physical and people will see us as underdogs. But I think we can surprise a lot of people in this tournament.'
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Metro
37 minutes ago
- Metro
Diogo Jota funeral details emerge after tragic death of Liverpool star
Sort: Newest first Oldest first July 4, 2025 12:00 am This Live Blog has now ended This blog is now closed. For the latest updates, visit Metro's Football page. July 3, 2025 11:36 pm Portugal stars display Jota banner The Portugal women's team held aloft a banner in tribute to Diogo Jota following their Women's Euro 2025 clash with Spain. 'Thanks for everything. Rest in peace,' the sign read. Perhaps unsurprisingly considering the tragic circumstances, Portugal suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat on an emotional night at Bern's Wankdorf Stadium. The two teams observed a minute's silence prior to kick-off in the Group B contest, with Portugal head coach Francisco Neto appearing close to tears on the touchline. July 3, 2025 11:14 pm 'Our lad from Portugal. Forever.' If you do nothing else today, give this video three minutes of your time. Diogo Jota, in his own words… July 3, 2025 11:06 pm Fans offered chance to sign books of condolence at Anfield Liverpool are giving supporters the opportunity to sign physical and digital books of condolence at Anfield following the tragic passing of one of their own, Diogo Jota. The physical book will be placed in the Anfield Road Stand reception area during the following hours over the coming days: Friday, July 4 – 9am-9pm Saturday, July 5 – 9am-5pm Sunday, July 6 – 9am-5pm The online book of condolence is available on the club's official website. July 3, 2025 10:28 pm 'You were always there for me', says Bradley Young Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley has taken to Instagram to share his own personal tribute to Diogo Jota, in which he thanked the Portuguese for the support he had provided during their time spent together. Among other touching memories, the Northern Irishman revealed how he learned the hard way to avoid playing Jota at FIFA after suffering one particularly heavy drubbing on the video game. 'Where do I start what an incredible footballer but an even better person I feel really lucky to have spent a few years with you,' Bradley wrote. 'Was always nice coming into the changing room in the morning and seeing you smiling and laughing and consistently calling me a hanger. 'Always remember the first time you invited me to your room to play FIFA I think everyone knows where this is going, we was playing and by half time I'm pretty sure I was 5-0 down that was the last time I was ever falling into that trap. 'When I first moved up from the academy you were always there for me and always helped me settle in with the lads which I'll be forever grateful for. 'My thoughts are with your wife, children and family for losing both Diogo and Andre. I can't imagine how tough this is for you all, as I know how tough this feels for me today. 'Love you jots and I'm sure we will meet again. Our number 20. Rest in Peace.' July 3, 2025 10:01 pm Fabinho: 'I had the privilege of spending time with this incredible person' Sem palavras para este dia tão triste. Ainda está difícil de acreditar que isso aconteceu. Tive o privilégio de ter convivido com essa pessoa incrível que era o Diogo. Vai deixar saudades, irmão! Que Deus conforte o coração da Rute, de toda a família e todos que amavam Diogo e… — Fabinho (@_fabinhotavares) July 3, 2025 Former Reds midfielder Fabinho wrote on social media: 'No words for this terribly sad day. It's still hard to believe this happened. 'I had the privilege of spending time with this incredible person that Diogo was. You will be missed, brother! May God comfort Rute's heart, the entire family, and everyone who loved Diogo and André. May they rest in peace. R.I.P.' July 3, 2025 9:47 pm Bernardo Silva's simple message Portugal star Bernardo Silva captioned a picture of himself alongside Jota: 'Forever with us ❤️' July 3, 2025 9:33 pm Coady: 'He became our brother in a special team and was a shining light within it.' England international Conor Coady played with Jota at Wolves and remembers their time together very fondly. 'One of the best players I've ever had the privilege of sharing a pitch with,' wrote Coady. 'He became our brother in a special team and was a shining light within it. You will be missed my mate by everyone.' July 3, 2025 9:08 pm Ibrahima Konate: 'Beyond the extraordinary footballer you were, there was an exceptional man, a friend, and brother' Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool's France international centre-back, hoped people will take a positive message from the tragedy. He wrote: 'Diogo… I still can't believe it. I'm devastated. I have no words to express my feelings. Beyond the extraordinary footballer you were, there was an exceptional man, a friend, and brother! May you and André rest in peace. 'I am truly devastated by this news. This club, this family that we shared together, will never forget you! I think back to all the moments we shared and I still can't believe it, they all seemed perfect… You can be sure of one thing: your family won't walk alone. We'll be there to help them through this devastating moment. 'I would like to address the world: today it's Diogo and his brother. Yesterday it was someone else. Tomorrow it could be us. Let's enjoy every moment that life offers us, with our families, friends, even strangers. Let's try to live in peace and send each other love. We don't know what tomorrow brings. 'I LOVE YOU, MY BROTHER.' July 3, 2025 8:55 pm Virgil van Dijk: 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family' The Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, has played alongside Diogo Jota since the Portuguese moved to Anfield in 2020. The Dutchman wrote on social media: 'Man, I can't believe it, I don't wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! 'Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André.' July 3, 2025 8:41 pm Luis Diaz: 'There are gestures that one never forgets, and Diogo had one with me that will accompany me all my life.' Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz says Diogo Jota did something for him that he will never forget. 'I'm at a loss for words… It hurts in my soul. Not just for what he was on the court, but for the person he was off of it,' Diaz wrote on Instagram. 'There are gestures that one never forgets, and Diogo had one with me that will accompany me all my life. 'My hug goes out to Rute, his three children and his family. 'Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre 🕊️.' July 3, 2025 8:35 pm UFC star and Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett pays tribute Crazy to wake up on the other side of the world and find out the devastating news about Jota 💔 thinking of his wife kids and family at this heartbreaking time for them ❤️will never forget going to Wembley and that's all we sang on the way there while we won the trophy and on the way home you'll never be forgotten Diogo our number 20 ❤️ 'Oh, he wears the number 20, He will take us to victory, And when he's running down the left wing, He'll cut inside and score for LFC! He's a lad from Portugal, Better than Figo don't you know, Oh, his name is Diogo!' July 3, 2025 8:26 pm A tear-jerking minute's silence at the Women's Euros Portugal players observe minute's silence in tribute to Diogo Jota at Women's Euro 2025 July 3, 2025 8:24 pm Diogo Jota's funeral will be held tomorrow Diogo Jota's funeral to be held where he got married less than two weeks ago July 3, 2025 7:46 pm Alexander-Arnold and Robertson united in grief Liverpool full-backs past and present, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, have both issued poignant tributes to Diego Jota and his brother André Silva this evening. Alexander-Arnold, who left the Reds to join Real Madrid earlier this summer, says he hopes to be able to remember his 'true friend' with a 'big smile' once the pain eases a little. Robertson, meanwhile, is thankful he got the opportunity to share the stage with such a 'precious soul' who was 'full of love for the people he cared about'. July 3, 2025 7:35 pm Portugal fans pay their respects at Women's Euros Ahead of Portugal's Women's Euro 2025 clash with Spain, supporters have been pictured paying tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in the stands. The devastating news has overshadowed the build-up to tonight's Group B contest at Bern's Wankdorf Stadium, where Portugal get their campaign up and running. Jota was capped 49 times by the Portuguese national team and helped his country win two Nations League titles. July 3, 2025 7:21 pm Liverpool to honour Jota with 'meaningful tributes' Liverpool directors Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have confirmed that the club will look to honour Diogo Jota with 'meaningful tributes' following the 'irreplaceable' forward's tragic passing. A club statement read: 'In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time. 'Diogo's wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family's privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need. 'Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his team-mates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club. 'In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much. 'For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.' July 3, 2025 7:04 pm Jota an 'unbelievable player' and a 'brother', says Jones 'It's hard to find the exact words how this feels,' Liverpool and England midfielder Curtis Jones wrote on his social media pages. 'An unbelievable player & a great person to everyone. Grateful we shared so many memories on and off the pitch brother. 'I send my thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Rest peacefully Diogo and André.' July 3, 2025 6:42 pm Slot reveals tragic details of last conversation with Jota In a heart-wrenching statement, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed that he wished Diogo Jota all the best on his wedding in their final-ever conversation together. 'What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not,' Slot told Liverpool's official website. 'All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about. 'My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss. 'My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.' The Dutchman continued: 'This is not solely a response to tragedy. It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole. 'For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. 'I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be. 'There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family. 'The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.' Slot says Jota leaves behind an incredible legacy and his name will 'never be forgotten' on Merseyside. 'When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities,' he went on. 'That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves. 'My condolences go to Diogo's wife, Rute, their three beautiful children and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva. 'When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo.' July 3, 2025 6:27 pm Liverpool fans sing YNWA outside Anfield There were emotional scenes this evening as Liverpool supporters joined together to sing a chorus of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' – the club's anthem – outside Anfield. Fans have flocked to the stadium to pay their respects and leave personal letters and tributes to Diogo Jota since the devastating news first broke. Se canta el You'll Never Walk Alone en los aledaños de de muchísimas emociones. Unidad en las buenas y en las malas. Liverpool en su única versión. ❤️💔 — Yagüe (@Juan_Yague_) July 3, 2025 July 3, 2025 6:20 pm James Milner pays tribute James Milner has taken to X to pass on his support to Diogo Jota's loved ones and the 'Liverpool family'. The ex-England international shared a dressing room with Jota for three seasons before departing Anfield for Brighton in 2023. 'Devastated for the loss of Diogo and Andre. Absolutely loved sharing a dressing room with him, having so many laughs together, constantly winding each other up with our stubborn nature and truly marvelling at the stuff he did on the football pitch,' Milner wrote. 'All my thoughts, love and support goes to his family, friends and the Liverpool family. Rest In Peace Jots Love ya mate. YNWA.' Devastated for the loss of Diogo and loved sharing a dressing room with him, having so many laughs together, constantly winding each other up with our stubborn nature and truly marvelling at the stuff he did on the football pitch✨. All my thoughts, love and… — James Milner (@JamesMilner) July 3, 2025
STV News
37 minutes ago
- STV News
Funeral of Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion John Clark to be held in Glasgow
The funeral of Celtic legend John Clark will be held in Glasgow on Friday. Clark made over 300 appearances for the Hoops and was part of the club's famous Lisbon Lions team who won the European Cup by defeating Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital. The former defender, who was at Celtic for 50 years as a player, coach, assistant manager and kit man, died last week at the age of 84. His funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church on Abercrombie Street in the Calton area, where Celtic were formed in 1887, at midday. SNS Group European champion: Clark was part of the side that defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon The cortege will travel down The Celtic Way at approximately 1.15pm, with fans invited to gather at the stadium to say a final farewell. However, Celtic have reminded supporters to be mindful that space at the church is limited. The service will be broadcast on Celtic TV. A statement released on the club's website and social media channels said: 'While the service will take place at St Mary's Church in the Calton at 12noon, we ask supporters to be mindful that space at the church is limited. 'The Funeral Mass will, however, be broadcast live on the club's official YouTube channel, giving supporters everywhere the opportunity to join the club in remembering a true legend. 'For those wishing to pay their respects, John's funeral cortege will travel down The Celtic Way at approximately 1.15pm, and fans are welcome to gather at Celtic Park to say a final farewell to one of the club's greatest ever servants. 'John Clark was a Lisbon Lion, a cornerstone of our greatest ever team, and a dedicated servant to Celtic across seven decades. This Friday, we come together to honour his incredible legacy.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Friday's briefing: ‘Shocked' Liverpool players pay tribute to Diogo Jota
World champions Spain started their bid for Euro 2025 glory with an impressive 5-0 win over Portugal in Bern, where a minute's silence was held ahead of kick-off. Slot said the Reds were in 'absolute shock' after the death of the 28-year-old Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva in Spain in the early hours of Thursday. 'What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words, but I know I do not,' Slot wrote in a personal statement published on the club's website. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 'All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about. 'For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. 'We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.' According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk said on Instragram he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.' The Dutch defender wrote in a post alongside a picture of Jota with the Premier League trophy: 'What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.' Mourners are set to gather to honour Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. A five-star display from Spain 🤩 #WEURO2025 — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 3, 2025 World champions Spain thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their Euro 2025 Group B opener in Bern, where there was a minute's silence ahead of kick-off in memory of Jota. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to the Liverpool forward. Esther Gonzalez fired Spain ahead with barely 90 seconds on the clock before Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez doubled the lead in the seventh minute. La Roja scored another couple of quickfire goals just before half-time through Alexia Putellas and Gonzalez's tap-in, with substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto then heading home a fifth in stoppage time. In Thursday's other Group B match, Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Sion through a first-half goal from Arianna Caruso. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' The German coach, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, added: 'I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. 'Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father.' Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes to his international team-mate. 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married,' Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota. 'To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.' Working towards our QF clash. 😤 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025 Chelsea will aim to secure a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals when they come up against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday night (0200 Saturday BST). Saudi side Al-Hilal are out to follow-up their shock win over Manchester City when they take on Fluminense in Orlando. At Euro 2025, England boss Sarina Wiegman will hold a press conference ahead of the holders' opening match against France in Zurich. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson is also set to speak to the media before the nation's first major tournament appearance, taking on the Netherlands in Lucerne. Elsewhere in Group C, Germany start their campaign against Poland in St Gallen after Denmark tackle Scandinavian rivals Sweden in Geneva.
