By ED CARRUTHERS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA
Published: 07:57 EST, 8 January 2026 | Updated: 08:13 EST, 8 January 2026
Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has revealed that her mother and ‘hero’ has heartbreakingly been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
The Arsenal women’s midfielder published the update on her Instagram account, sharing a photo of her and her mum, Jess, in hospital.
The 23-year-old explained that her mother had been diagnosed with a ‘rare and aggressive’ form of bile duct cancer called cholangiocarcinoma.
‘A few days ago, our world changed forever,’ Cooney-Cross wrote on the Instagram post. She also shared a picture of her mother with her younger sisters.
‘My amazing mum, Jess, has been diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
‘It’s a rare and aggressive cancer, and there is no cure.’
Kyra Cooney-Cross (second from right) has revealed that her mum, Jess, (third from left) is suffering from stage four cancer
Cooney-Cross, who hails from Queensland, also said that she had travelled back home to Australia to be with her family.
‘My mum is my hero, my best friend, my everything and the person who has shaped every part of who I am.
‘She is the reason I am where I am today, her strength, love, and belief in me has carried me through everything.
‘Trying to put into words what she means to me feels impossible.
‘I’m now back in Australia to be with my mum, my sisters, and our family as we navigate what comes next. We are all still in shock and learning how to sit with the weight of this news.’
A GoFundMe page has been created to help support her family.
Cooney-Cross’ Arsenal and Australia team-mates have flooded the comments on the Instagram post with messages of support.
Her Matildas and Arsenal team-mate Steph Catley wrote: ‘Love you,’ adding a ‘love heart’.
The Matildas and her club side, Arsenal, have both issued their support to Cooney-Cross (pictured) and her family
Gunners team-mates Ella Toone, Caitlin Foord and Australia captain Sam Kerr all sent ‘love heart’ emojis.
The Matildas official Instagram account wrote in the comments: ‘Sending all our love to you and your family.
'We’re with you every step of the way.’
Arsenal Women added: ‘Everyone at the club is sending all the love and support to you and your family Kyra.’