The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM was the third women’s international sporting tournament played at Eden Park within two years.

The largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, this was a tournament of passion, skill and unity. Over 350,000 fans from around the world packed Eden Park for nine matches over 27 days, including the opening game between the NZ Football Ferns and Norway. Three matches reached capacity crowds of 43,217, setting new records for football attendance and women’s sports events in the country.

This artwork, created by Graham Hoete (aka Mr G) celebrates the opening of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park on 20 July 2023. It depicts Amber Hearn, New Zealand’s all-time top scorer and the highest-scoring international for the Oceania Football Confederation.

“Nōku te honore. Painting this portrait of Amber is a huge honour. She is so unassuming and humble, but her achievements are unprecedented, such an amazing example for our rangatahi/young people. These large Portraits are all about making our humble rangatira/ heroes/ heroines visible to inspire generations to come.” – Mr G, artist.

This portrait is the first of Mr G’s “Wall of Honour”, a series of large-scale portraits honouring different legends in their respective sports and spheres.