Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne OAM (born 1 February 1989) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Chinese Taipei on 7 December 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game, she extended this record with 169 appearances since her debut in 2006. She retired at Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF. Polkinghorne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for "service to football".

Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 1 February 1989.

For the 2014 season, Polkinghorne was loaned to INAC Kobe Leonessa in Japan.

Polkinghorne signed for Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League after the 2015 World Cup. Portland Thorns waived Polkinghorne in February 2016.

On 7 January 2017, Polkinghorne become the first player to play 100 club games in the W-League, all of which have been played for Brisbane Roar. In December 2020, Polkinghorne re-signed with Brisbane Roar after spending the off-season at Avaldsnes.

On 7 June 2018, Polkinghorne signed with the Houston Dash.

Polkinghorne signed for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Vittsjö GIK on 19 March 2021.

On 25 December 2023, Polkinghorne joined Kristianstads DFF for the 2024 Damallsvenskan season.