Allianz reveals under-pressure Australians are looking to football heroes for inspiration

Allianz Australia has today released new research, which shows that 68% of surveyed Australians have faced adversity over the past twelve months, with key drivers among adults surveyed being financial pressures (44%), issues with physical health (30%) and lack of confidence in physical appearance (26%). 

In the face of this adversity, these Australians are looking to positive role models to stay motivated. The CommBank Matildas provide motivation, with 44% of respondents saying that watching the team reminds them that persistence can overcome adversity, and more than half (56%) of young Australians saying they’re inspired by the players to want to keep trying, even if something is hard. 

Among younger surveyed Aussies (aged 10-17 years), nearly half (49%) said they feel stressed and worried about schoolwork, performing well in tests, and when doing homework, with almost a third (30%) also feeling pressure to do well in sport or other activities. Yet, by looking up and supporting the Australian Women’s football team, one in three (34%) young Australians say the players help them feel braver on tougher days.​ 

To demonstrate the impact these players have had, Allianz identified sixteen superfans from across Australia who have all overcome significant challenges in their lives. The fans’ messages, such as “The gratitude I have for the players is endless. Soccer has shaped me, saved me and carried me through my own comebacks”, were printed onto a giant, 6-metre diameter inflatable football that was unveiled to the team ahead of the Perth opener. 

Driven by a belief that resilience and words of care get you further, Allianz has shared messages from the players back to the superfans – the take-out: “Fans seeking inspiration in us is what drives us to keep going. Even when we feel like giving up, it's not worth it,” said the players in a collective statement.

CommBank Matildas Midfielder Amy Sayer, whose inspiring comeback story has been immortalised in a new campaign by Allianz, said the initiative reflects the values that have shaped the team’s journey. 

“Throughout my career I’ve faced personal setbacks, including a recent ACL injury that had me in recovery for 457 days, and this activity with Allianz is a big reminder of why we keep pushing forward. Being a role model for Aussies young and old, and knowing people look to us for motivation gives extra meaning to what we do. It reminds me to keep going when I face my own mental challenges on fighting to return – especially heading into a major tournament.” 

Shez Ford, Chief General Manager, Consumer at Allianz Australia, said the research, and Allianz’s work with Football Australia, demonstrates the impact of celebrating resilience in our community.

“Our partnership with Football Australia gives us the opportunity to connect with all Australians – it goes beyond our everyday role of providing care to over four million ​insurance​ customers and creates a deep synergy with the values and goals of the wider community. 

“As a leading insurance provider, we offer security to the community and seek to remove fear and uncertainty​ in the insurance journey​; always showing up​ for our customers​ with preparation, care and resilience. By shining a light on Amy, and these brave fans’ stories of setback, grit, determination and resilience, we​ aim to​ encourage and inspire all Australians, no matter what challenges they are facing, to stay the course.” said Shez. 

The research also showed that through watching the team, 42% of adult Australians are reminded that resilience can translate into everyday life and over a third (39%) ​are inspired to be more active or try new sports and hobbies. 

Nevaeh Gilbert-Reed (13, NSW) is just one example of a young Aussie who has found inspiration and has overcome self‑doubt through football.

"Even on days when I didn’t feel good enough or I wanted to give up, I kept showing up. I put on my boots, got on the field, and each time I grew a little stronger. Watching the Matildas reminds me that resilience isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up and doing your best anyway. Every game, I come back stronger because I don’t give up," said Nevaeh.

With more than half (55%) of Australians saying the team’s impact on women’s sport is incredibly inspiring, Allianz is proud to champion powerful stories of resilience, endurance and comeback – helping to inspire Australians to keep going through times of adversity.