Australian soccer history is a rollercoaster of passion and growth. Kicking off in the late 19th century, the sport found its legs despite early challenges. Since then, Australian soccer has produced some great players. In this article, we’ll be looking at the 10 Best Australian Soccer Players of all time.
Icons like Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, and Mark Schwarzer have raised the bar globally. Even the Matildas, the women’s team, has showcased brilliance, inspiring a new generation of women soccer players.
From iconic goalkeepers to dynamic strikers, this article is a celebration of Australia’s soccer legends who left an everlasting mark on the pitch. Journey through their remarkable careers, relive standout moments and explore the factors that earned them a spot among the best.
So, let’s get started with the list of the greatest Australian soccer players ever!
10. Jackson Irvine
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 55 / 8
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 370 / 40 / 38
Clubs: Hull City, FC St. Pauli, Ross County, Burton Albion, Celtic
Jackson Irvine, the dynamic midfielder, currently plays at the 2. Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli. With a journey that includes stops at Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Burton Albion, Hull City, and Hibernian, Irvine has left an imprint on the Scottish and English soccer scenes.
Notably, he transitioned from representing Scotland at the under-19 level to becoming a vital part of the Australia national team, earning call-ups for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup squads.
In 2023, Irvine became the 63rd captain of Australia.
9. Tony Vidmar
Position: Left-Back
International Caps/Goals: 77 / 3
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 319 / 16 / 4
Clubs: Rangers, NAC Breda, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough
We kick off our list of the best Australian soccer players with the former Aussie left-back Tony Vidmar. He kicked his journey at hometown club Adelaide City in 1989, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that included stints in Holland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
However, it was at Rangers where Vidmar truly shone, clinching two Scottish Premier Leagues, two League Cups, and three Scottish Cups. He became a fan-favorite in Glasgow. Vidmar’s talent as a defender and occasional goal-scoring ability, including a crucial strike in a Champions League qualifier, endeared him to Rangers’ faithful.
Vidmar’s illustrious career reached its conclusion in 2008, marked by an unfortunate discovery of an irregular heartbeat.
8. Mark Bosnich
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Goals/Clean Sheets: 17 / 1 / 10
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 264 / 101
Clubs: Aston Villa, Man Utd, Chelsea, Central Coast
Mark Bosnich was a goalkeeper that left us wondering, what if…? Early in his career, he made waves in the English Premier League with clubs like Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
He started with Manchester United but found his groove later with Aston Villa, becoming a top-tier goalie in the 1990s. A hero’s return to Manchester United in ’99 seemed promising, yet injuries and bench time dimmed his star power, leading to a dip in form.
He also 17 times for his nation, even scoring a goal – a rare feat for a goalkeeper!
He could’ve been a top goalkeeper was it not for the constant injuries and a later addiction that really hampered his career.
7. Mile Jedinak
Position: Defensive Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 79 / 20
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 346 / 26 / 22
Clubs: Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Genclerbirligi, Antalyaspor
Mile Jedinak, a defensive midfield giant, was the kind of player every team dreams of having. Born and bred in Sydney, he kicked off his senior career with Sydney United, honing his skills in the youth ranks.
His journey took him to Croatia, Turkey, and the English Premier League, notably with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, where he played a vital role in earning promotions.
Jedinak made 79 appearances for the Australian national team and was made captain in 2014. He led Australia to several World Cups and an AFC Asian Cup victory in 2015.
But Jedinak wasn’t just a stellar player; his leadership qualities and unwavering determination made him a fan favorite wherever he went. In 2019, he bid farewell to the pitch, hanging up his boots and smoothly transitioning into a coaching role at Aston Villa.
6. Craig Johnston
Position: Right Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 0 / 0
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 320 / 53 / 30
Clubs: Liverpool, Middlesbrough
Craig Johnston is a bit of an oddball on this list. He was born in South Africa but had Australian roots, spending most of his youth down under. Despite being given the chance to represent Australia, England, and Scotland, he never made a single senior international appearance.
His prime years came at Liverpool in the 1980s. Craig Johnston became an enigmatic force during the club’s golden era, winning nine major honors, including the European Cup in 1984.
Despite not always securing a spot in the starting lineup, Johnston’s boundless energy, thrilling skills, and blazing pace made him a standout.
This former Liverpool maverick was a bit of a wildcard, not always getting the nod from managers Paisley and Fagan due to his fiery temperament. Yet, with five league titles under his belt, Johnston rightfully earns his place among Australia’s greatest exports.
After retirement, he became the designer and creator of the prototype for Adidas’ Predator soccer cleats, worn by many soccer and rugby players.
5. Johnny Warren
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 42 / 9
Clubs: Canterbury-Marrickville, St George Budapest, Stockport County
Next up on the list of the best Australian soccer players is Mr. Australia himself, Johnny Warren. He embodied the spirit of soccer Down Under until his passing in 2004. As the “Captain Socceroo,” he played a pivotal role in the national team’s journey to the 1974 World Cup.
A midfield maestro, Warren wasn’t just a terrific player; he was a driving force on the pitch, earning 42 caps for the Socceroos. His impact extended beyond his playing days, as he contributed significantly to Australian soccer through journalism and commentary.
Inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 1988, Warren’s legacy lives on. The award for the best player the A-League is named the Johnny Warren Medal, a fitting tribute to a legend of the game.
4. Mark Viduka
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 43 / 11
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 354 / 150 / 28
Clubs: Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Celtic, Dinamo Zagreb
Mark Viduka, the fiery striker and skipper of the 2006 World Cup squad, was a force to be reckoned with on the field. His goal-scoring prowess and ruthless forward play took him through leagues in Australia, Croatia, Scotland, and England.
Starting in Australia and Croatia, Viduka made waves before landing at Celtic in Glasgow. He then went on to make his name in the English Premier League. The peak of his career came with Leeds United, but the club’s financial struggles led to his departure in 2004.
From Middlesbrough to Newcastle, Viduka left a trail of goals before retiring in 2009. His four goals in the UEFA Champions League remains the most scored by any Australian player in the tournament.
3. Mark Schwarzer
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 109 / 36
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 696 / 220
Clubs: Middlesbrough, Fulham, Bradford City, Chelsea, Leicester City, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Dynamo Dresden
Mark Schwarzer was an unsung hero of Australia and the greatest shot-stopper of the country.
Starting his journey from the youth ranks to the National Soccer League, Schwarzer’s professional career took him through Germany, where he played in the Bundesliga for Dynamo Dresden and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
The pinnacle of his club career came in the Premier League, with notable stints at Middlesbrough, Fulham, and Chelsea. Schwarzer’s resilience and skill earned him the distinction of being the first non-Briton with over 500 Premier League appearances.
Even at an age when many players contemplate retirement, he became the oldest player to grace the UEFA Champions League knockout stages at 41 years old.
His international career was equally illustrious, amassing 109 caps and breaking the record of Australia’s most-capped male player.
2. Harry Kewell
Position: Left Winger
International Caps/Goals: 58 / 17
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 510 / 122 / 69
Clubs: Leeds United, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Melbourne Victory, Al-Gharafa
Harry Kewell could’ve easily been on top of this list. Kewell was a wizard with the ball, and earned the title of Australia’s greatest soccer player in a 2012 fan and player poll. Despite a career plagued by injuries, Kewell’s extraordinary talent places him in a league of his own, often hailed as the most gifted player ever produced Down Under.
Representing clubs like Leeds United, Liverpool, and Galatasaray, Kewell’s versatility as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker was a nightmare for defenders. He was also named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2000 during his Leeds days.
Internationally, he donned the Australian jersey with pride, amassing 58 caps and 17 goals. Despite setbacks, Kewell’s impact transcended the pitch, earning him the title of “Australia’s finest soccer export” and the admiration of fans, players, and media alike.
1. Tim Cahill
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 108 / 50
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 683 / 169 / 49
Clubs: Everton, Millwall, New York Red Bulls, Shanghai Shenhua, Melbourne City, Hangzhou Greentown, Jamshedpur FC
Despite tough competition from Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill edges it as the best-ever Australian soccer player. Revered in England for his relentless performances with Millwall and Everton, Cahill is a national icon Down Under.
He’s celebrated for his grit and a knack for netting crucial goals when it mattered the most. A box-to-box midfield dynamo, Cahill’s aggressive and powerful style, coupled with his aerial prowess, set him apart.
With 50 goals in 108 caps from 2004 to 2018, he stands tall as one of the greatest Australian players ever. From his early days at Millwall, where he played a key role in their FA Cup Final run, to his time at Everton, earning Player of the Season awards, Cahill built a long-lasting legacy for himself.
He was also the first Australian to score in a FIFA World Cup and netted goals in three consecutive tournaments. On top of his on-field performances, Cahill’s iconic goal celebration of shadow boxing around the corner flag became a symbol of his fighting spirit.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Australian Soccer Players of all time. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Soccer in Australia is only growing stronger, and we do hope to see more legends of the game coming out from Down Under.
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