Matildas star Katrina Gorry welcomes new baby into the world with partner Clara Markstedt

Australian footballer Katrina Gorry and her partner Clara Markstedt have welcomed a baby boy into the world, meaning the Matildas’ unofficial mascot Harper now has a baby brother.

Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday and the couple announced the exciting news in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

The name contains a moving tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt, who died during the World Cup last year.

“Big sister is absolutely in love and our hearts are so full,” they wrote.

Katrina Gorry (pictured) and her partner Clara Markstedt have welcomed a baby into the world

Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday and big sister Harper (photo left) is ‘in love’ with her new brother

Gorry’s teammates, including Charli Grant, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold, sent congratulatory messages on social media.

The West Ham midfielder is recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery in March and ended her WSL season.

But Gorry has been included in Tony Gustavsson’s squad for Paris 2024 and hopes to train with the team soon.

As concerned as she is about making a timely recovery, Gorry says the impact the injury has on her life as a mother is even more troubling.

“It’s tough getting injured as an athlete, but I’ve discovered over the past two weeks that being an injured parent is tougher,” she posted on Instagram in April.

“The disappointment in Harper’s voice when I can’t take her to the playground or just do the simplest things like wiping her off when she’s done in the toilet, chasing her around the house or just letting her climb all over me.

‘She doesn’t understand why and her emotions are so strong because of it.

“It has definitely taught me to be grateful for my health and never take the little things for granted.”

Gorry’s Matildas teammates sent congratulatory messages on social media

The baby’s name contains a touching tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt

‘Sometimes Instagram can just be a highlight, so today I decided to go real & raw. For all the parents out there who are having a hard time or are feeling guilty, you understand this: these feelings are only temporary.

“A smile like that makes everything feel good.”

Gorry and Markstedt were teammates at Swedish club Vittsjo GIK, but have since moved to London after Matilda signed with English club West Ham United.

Earlier this year, Gorry and Markstedt announced their engagement, with plans to get married on Hamilton Island in 2025.

“We’re going to try to keep it as traditional and beautiful as possible,” Gorry said.

“A lot of the Matildas have been my family for a long time, so they were so excited for me. “I’d like to have them there.”