Rebekah Stott makes New Zealand international return following cancer remission

The seventh instalment of the SheBelieves Cup got underway last night as Iceland took on New Zealand, and reigning champions USA hosted the Czech Republic.

The United States were dealt a shock result after drawing 0-0 in their opening match, but it was the clash being held at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California that took centre focus.

New Zealand may have lost out to Iceland but there was still a lot to celebrate for the Football Ferns as Rebekah Stott returned to the international stage.

It took Dagný Brynjarsdóttir just one minute to put her side ahead but New Zealand were able to deny any further goalscoring opportunities to keep the scoreline capped at 1-0.

After some diligent defending, the Football Ferns brought on Stott for Daisy Cleverley in the 74th minute.

The defender stepped onto the pitch to applause from her teammates and the crowd, marking a magnificent milestone in her recovery from cancer.

Stott was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2021, which completely halted her football career. The New Zealand international was playing for Brighton and Hove Albion at the time, but her stint in the Women’s Super League was cut short due to the illness.

Excited for the next chapter