Princess and Bernie Ibini-Isei

Bernie Ibini-Isei enjoyed a spectacular early career with Central Coast Mariners, his explosive pace and scoring ability earning him a Young Socceroos call up and a big-money contract in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai East Asia by the time he was 21.

After his father’s sudden and tragic heart attack Bernie returned to Australia and the A-League, his priority became family and home.

Bernie’s return with Sydney FC resulted in scintillating form scoring seven goals including a scorcher against Perth Glory and being awarded a Socceroo’s cap that same year.

It was during that time that younger sister Princess Ibini-Isei credits him with providing the support that would help her become one of the W- Leagues most exciting young attackers.

In 2017 she made her senior Matildas debut against the U.S.A at the age of 17 making Bernie and Princess the first siblings to represent Australia as full international.

“He’s very supportive… I learned pretty much everything from him” Princess said told Sydney Morning Herald in 2015 and they both play a similar style of direct, dangerous, and fast football.

Both are capable of scoring from distance, or driving past players to cross or shoot.

Still only 20 years old, Princess will have to work hard to break into the star-studded Matildas' attack but she remains a consistent threat and a handful for defenders.

The departure of Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo could see her take a bigger role at Sydney FC next season and take the league by storm as her brother did at the same age.

Bernie Ibini vs Perth Glory 2014

 

Princes Ibini vs Adelaide 2019