• Malia Steinmetz is part of New Zealand’s squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup

• She represented New Zealand at the 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup; 2016 and 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cups

• She made her senior debut for New Zealand on November 28, 2017, in a 5-0 win over Thailand

Shilarze Saha Roy In the heart of the New Zealand women’s football team beats the indomitable spirit of a player — Malia Steinmetz — who has transformed adversity into strength. The 24-year-old Steinmetz, who has been performing brilliantly in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has proved herself over the last couple of years and become an integral part of the New Zealand team’s midfield. She has forged an unbreakable partnership with fellow midfielder Ria Percival and both have cemented their positions as the backbone of the New Zealand team. Steinmetz’s ability to read the game and intuitive sense of ball movement and strategic play has earned her a reputation as a player who always knows where to be on big occasions. And Malia Steinmetz has been exuding confidence and composure with every match, thereby showcasing her growth both as a player and individual.

However, Malia Steinmetz’s journey to the top was anything but straightforward. Growing up with mixed heritage — her mother was Samoan and her father was from New Zealand — Steinmetz often found herself grappling with a sense of identity. The conflicting feelings of not fully belonging to either culture left her feeling lost and unsure of how to respond to her heritage. At times, she wanted to be identified as Samoan, but the feeling of not fully embracing it made her feel disconnected. “It was quite hard to find a place of belonging in a high intensive environment. So I found it very difficult. I was in university not knowing what I was doing and who I was. I became very lost,” Malia Steinmetz was quoted as saying on her club Western Sydney Wanderers’ website. These struggles had also reached a tipping point early in her career when Steinmetz temporarily stepped away from football for about six months. During this hiatus, though, she had the opportunity to reflect on her passion for the game and what it meant to her. The time away allowed her to rediscover her love for football and gain a deeper understanding of herself. And her journey of self-discovery took a significant turn when Malia Steinmetz decided to get a traditional Samoan ‘tatau’ or a tattoo on her right hand. This experience connected her with her roots and provided a profound sense of belonging. Sharing stories of family and life back in Samoa during the process allowed Steinmetz to embrace her Samoan heritage fully. “I am half Samoan and half Kiwi, and I am proud of both,” Steinmetz finally realized with pride.

Embracing her identity also brought about a positive change in Steinmetz’s life. As she became more confident in her roots, she found comfort in being a role model for other individuals in the football community. Young kids would look at her ‘tatau’ in awe, and Steinmetz’s acknowledgment of her Samoan heritage created moments of connection and recognition, fostering a sense of belonging for both her and those who admired her. Today, with a renewed sense of love and fun in the game, Steinmetz feels at peace when she puts on the New Zealand jersey. Her talent on the football pitch was always evident from a young age. She represented New Zealand at the U-17 level during the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup before going on to play in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea. Her dedication and love for the game continued to push her forward as she went on to represent New Zealand once more at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France. The turning point though came when Malia Steinmetz made her senior international debut as a substitute in a 5–0 victory over Thailand on November 28, 2017. Representing New Zealand at the senior level was a dream come true for Steinmetz, and it marked the beginning of her senior career, where she would go on to make a significant impact.