Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter has signed for French giants Lyon from National Women’s Soccer League club Portland Thorns.

The 20 year-old became the youngest person ever to take the field in the NWSL two years ago when she was just 18 and has since played 33 games for the Thorns in her time at the club.

She said: “The Thorns have played an extremely important role in helping me grow and develop as a player over the past two years, and I am grateful to everyone who invested in me during my time in Portland."

She will now play her football in France’s Division 1 Feminine. Lyon have won the domestic league 17 times and have just secured the title for the 14th consecutive season.

Carpenter will join the likes of England internationals Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Nikita Parris, as well as French international Wendie Renard and Norway’s Ada Hegerberg, at the club.

She is the latest Australian international to make the move to Europe.

The signing that triggered the avalanche of Matilda deals came back in November when Sam Kerr signed for Women’s Super League club Chelsea.

Caitlin Foord then moved to Arsenal, Chloe Logarzo signed for Bristol City and Hayley Raso made the move to Everton.