Australian soccer star Katrina Gorry and her partner Clara Markstedt have expanded their family, welcoming a baby boy into the world. The couple’s daughter, Harper, now has a little brother, Koby Peter David Gorry, born on Sunday.

The name is a beautiful tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt, who passed away during the World Cup last year. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing their joy and gratitude.

“Big sister is absolutely in love and our hearts are so full,” they wrote, capturing the happiness and love within their growing family.

Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry, and big sister Harper is ‘in love’ with her new brother.

The birth of their son was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from Gorry’s Matildas teammates, including Charli Grant, Caitlin Foord, and Mackenzie Arnold, who sent their well-wishes via social media.

Gorry, a midfielder for West Ham, has been on the road to recovery following an ankle injury that required surgery in March, prematurely ending her WSL season. Despite this setback, she remains hopeful about her prospects for the Paris 2024 games.

In addition to her concerns about her athletic career, Gorry has also shared the emotional impact of her injury on her life as a mother. In an Instagram post, she opened up about the challenges of being an injured parent and how it has affected her relationship with her daughter.

“It’s tough being injured as an athlete, but I’ve found it even tougher being an injured parent,” she wrote. “Seeing the disappointment in Harper’s voice when I can’t join her at the playground or do simple things like wiping her when she’s finished on the toilet is heartbreaking.”

Gorry’s Matildas teammates sent messages of congratulations and support to the happy couple.

The baby’s name, Koby Peter David Gorry, honors Markstedt’s late father.

Gorry’s raw and emotional post continued, acknowledging the challenges of parenthood and the importance of sharing authentic experiences on social media. “Sometimes Instagram can feel like a highlight reel, so today I decided to go real and raw. To all the parents out there doing it tough or sitting with guilt, you got this. These feelings are only temporary,” she wrote.

Gorry and Markstedt’s journey together began as teammates at the Swedish club Vittsjo GIK. They have since relocated to London following Gorry’s signing with West Ham United. Earlier this year, the couple announced their engagement, with plans to marry in 2025 at Hamilton Island.

Gorry shared her vision for the wedding, saying, “We are going to try to keep it as traditional and beautiful as we can. A lot of the Matildas have been like family to me for a long time, and they were so excited for me. I’d love to have them there.”