Australia is well known for its sport stars. Ask who the nation’s best ever cricketers are and you could reel of a dozen names that make the shortlist. The same goes for rugby, and even the likes of swimming and cycling. But when it comes to football it’s a little trickier.
Only a handful of Socceroos have really made an impact on the footballing world, few of which have picked up any real honours, particularly in Europe. In fact, many clubs in the Premier League have seen taking on Aussie players as a bit of a gamble, with it akin to taking a bet on red or black on the best online casinos Australia offer, you don’t quite know if it’ll land. A number have though and below you’ll find our best players to ever grace the beautiful game.
Harry Kewell
Harry Kewell has been one of Australia’s finest exports and is still involved in the game today as manager of Oldham Athletic.
He started his career at Leeds United as a 17-year-old, bursting onto the scene and making 242 appearances for the club before making a big move to Liverpool. He made 58 appearances for his country and was a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2001. He lifted the Champions League just a few years later and is one of the most successful footballers from the nation of all time.
Mark Viduka
Viduka played alongside Kewell at Leeds and was one of the world’s most clinical strikers in his day. Such was his prowess, he scored over a goal every two games in the sort of ratios you’d only find in the best online casino sites on offer back then.
That ratio ultimately led to a big move to Newcastle but for the Socceroos he was perhaps less lethal, playing only 43 times and netting 11 goals.
Johnny Warren
Johnny Warren spent his entire career in Australia aside from a brief stop at Stockport County and was known throughout his life as Captain Socceroo. Arguably the most important player in Australia’s history, the A-League winners’ medal is named after him and he spent a number of years as a manager in the country too.
Craig Johnston
Craig Johnston’s career is certainly an intriguing one. He spent much of it at Liverpool and was one of the best midfielders in the league during his time at the club.
He won five league titles with the club and a raft of other trophies, but it’s perhaps the Adidas Predator boot he is most famous for, being the chief designer and changing the game for good.
Tim Cahill
Cahill is an Everton and Australia legend and the player who’s perhaps had the biggest impact on Australian football in recent years.
His famous boxing celebration is iconic and he made over 100 appearances for his nation and is the all-time leading goalscorer with almost a goal every two games.
