10 Best Australian soccer players of all time

Following Australia’s undeniable success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, let’s reflect on some of the most influential players Australia has produced over the years. It goes without saying that Australia has nurtured some exceptionally talented players over the decades. The 2-1 defeat in the round of 16 at the World Cup against the future champions La Albiceleste showcased the efforts made by those responsible for Australian football to put this nation on the football map. Join us at premiumsoccertips to discover the best Australian soccer players.

Australian football best players

10. Tony Vidmar

As a defender with a career spanning nearly two decades, Tony Vidmar began his playing career at his hometown club Adelaide City in 1989, eventually retiring from professional football in 2008. Matches in the Netherlands, Scotland, England, and Wales put Vidmar on the football map.

Particularly successful was Vidmar’s spell at Rangers, where he won two Scottish Premier League titles, two League Cups, and three Scottish Cups, cementing his status as a much-loved player at the Glasgow giants.

As an outstanding defender, Vidmar also frequently contributed crucial goals for Rangers in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, ending his career with 31 goals overall. After discovering an irregular heartbeat, Vidmar finally hung up his boots in 2008 after losing the Championship Final with the Central Coast Mariners.

9. Johnny Warren

One of the lesser-known players on our list but arguably the most significant, Johnny Warren was a passionate advocate for Australians to view football as a sport. Dubbed “Captain Socceroo” for his tireless work in promoting football in his homeland, Warren played his entire career in Australia.

Over a 15-season career, some playing seasons for amateur teams, is a testament to Johnny Warren’s legacy, with many outstanding players having been nurtured in Australia over the years. There’s no doubt that without the passion for bringing football to this continent, Australia wouldn’t have succeeded in football as it does today.

8. Lucas Neill

With a career spanning over 500 matches in domestic leagues, Lucas Neill is one of the finest defenders Australia has ever produced and one of the most successful players the national team has witnessed, captaining his country a record 61 times.

A versatile defender who spent 15 seasons in England with teams like Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United, Neill was a steadfast and diligent defender, also capable of playing at right-back. Neill was a sought-after player in his prime, with Liverpool at one point making an offer for him, although the Australian player decided to move to West Ham United instead.

After a brief spell at Everton, where Neill teamed up with compatriot Tim Cahill, he eventually moved to the UAE, first with Al Jazira and then Al Wasl, before returning to Australia in 2013 with Sydney FC. Sometimes a controversial figure, Neill will still be remembered as an excellent defender, especially with 95 appearances for the Australian national team.

7. Mark Bresciano

Unlike many of his Australian football peers, Mark Bresciano opted not to venture to England but instead chose Italy, where he continued to have an outstanding career in one of the toughest leagues in football. Having played in three World Cup Finals and two AFC Asian Cups, Bresciano epitomized a successful Australian footballer.

After departing his Australian club Carlton, which no longer exists, in 2009, Bresciano moved to Empoli, then competing in Serie B in Italy. He helped the club earn promotion to Serie A. Following several outstanding seasons, Bresciano was sold to Parma for €7 million, a record fee at the time for an Australian player.

Mark Bresciano aided his new club in securing a fifth-place finish in Serie A, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Several successful seasons later and having become a regular international player, Bresciano moved to Palermo in 2010.

Four more seasons passed, with the Australian player being an integral part of the Palermo team before moving to Rome in 2010 to join Lazio. This move lasted only a year before Bresciano relocated to Qatar, where he retired in 2015.

A stalwart for several teams, including the Australian national team, Mark Bresciano was one of the most talented players to represent Australia, excelling in both attacking with powerful shots and defending.

6. Brett Emerton

Brett Emerton was a quick and talented player, capable of covering the entire right side of the field, and it was his versatility that made him stand out in the crowd. Emerton could run for 90 minutes, dribble, pass, and cross, all while covering every blade of grass on the field.

After successful seasons at Sydney Olympic and Feyenoord, it was at Blackburn Rovers where Emerton found his home, playing nearly 250 matches for the midlands club. Dynamic and determined, the Australian player became an important player for both club and country, earning 95 caps for the Socceroos.

Brett Emerton became a fan favorite at Blackburn due to his ability to outwit opponents. It was the club’s promise to Emerton to play him on the right midfield flank, instead of at right-back, that made him decide to stay at the club rather than move on.

Easily one of the finest right-wing players Australia has ever produced, Emerton had to find a way onto any list of Australia’s greatest players due to his ability to play in almost any position.

5. Mile Jedinak

As a towering defensive midfielder, Mile Jedinak is a remarkable player with leadership qualities and unwavering determination that endears him to fans wherever he plays. A Sydney youth product, the Australian midfielder played in the A-League for Sydney before moving to the Central Coast Mariners in 2006.

Following a stint in Turkey that was moderately successful, Jedinak began seeking a new club as his contract had only a year left. His move to English side Crystal Palace in 2011, then in the Championship, transformed Jedinak into one of the most effective midfielders in Europe.

Jedinak wasn’t just instrumental in Crystal Palace’s promotion to the Premier League; his leadership and work ethic made him an indispensable member of the team. In his 5 seasons at the club, he played 165 matches and was voted Player of the Season in 2013. After leaving Palace for Midlands club Aston Villa, Mile Jedinak retired in 2019 to take up coaching roles but will forever be remembered by Crystal Palace fans as one of their greatest players to date.

4. Mark Schwarzer

Australia has produced many excellent goalkeepers in recent years, but it’s hard to find one with a career as long-lasting or successful as Mark Schwarzer’s. An incredible 26-year career, with 625 appearances in competitions and still the most capped Australian player of all time with 109 appearances, Schwarzer had an extraordinary career.

While playing for various clubs, it was his achievements at Middlesbrough and Fulham that really made Schwarzer’s name. A superb shot-stopper rarely prone to mistakes, the Australian giant played in two European finals and lost both. He also had the dubious honor of being the oldest player to feature for both Chelsea and Leicester City.

As one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his era, Schwarzer turned down moves to Bayern Munich and Juventus primarily because they couldn’t guarantee him the number one shirt but still had an outstanding career and will go down as one of Australia’s most famous players.

3. Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill remains the greatest international goal scorer Australia has ever produced, with 50 international goals in 108 appearances. Second only to Mark Schwarzer in the all-time appearance list, Cahill is a talented attacking midfielder with a predatory eye for goal.

With 555 appearances and 141 goals, it’s an impressive record for any midfielder, but when you consider that Millwall acquired Cahill on a free transfer and Everton later paid just £1.5 million for him in 2004, he might go down in history as one of the best value-for-money players ever. In 443 appearances for Millwall and Everton, Cahill scored 108 goals, not bad for a free transfer.

Tim Cahill was one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders for many seasons and a player many admired, seemingly adored by fans, often for his exceptional work ethic and determination to win.

Fans can see when a player gives their all for the team, and Cahill rarely left the pitch without giving his all, something he did for 20 years as a professional player.

2. Mark Viduka

One of Australia’s highest-scoring forwards in history, Mark Viduka scored for every team he played for, in some of Europe’s toughest competitions. With a physique that resembled a boxer more than a footballer, Viduka couldn’t be bullied, had powerful shots, and never allowed opponents to intimidate him.

Mark Viduka averaged nearly a goal every two games, scoring plenty for every team he played for, from his early days at Melbourne Knights to spells at Celtic and Leeds United. Leeds was a particularly successful period for Viduka, as the Yorkshire club built a formidable young team.

Players like Alan Smith, fellow Australian Harry Kewell, and Michael Bridges made Leeds United challengers for prestigious titles. A brief stint that saw Leeds participate in European competitions meant Viduka had a chance to play in the Champions League, and he remains Australia’s highest-scoring player in that competition to this day. Mark Viduka retired in 2009 with 251 goals in 491 league appearances, one of the deadliest strikers of the 2000s.

1. Harry Kewell

Voted the greatest footballer ever produced by Australia in a 2012 fan and ex-player poll, Harry Kewell is the most talented player ever to come out of Australia. In a career marred by injuries, Kewell is said to still be ranked number one due to his outstanding footballing talent.

Harry Kewell made just 381 appearances for domestic clubs, including Leeds, Liverpool, and Galatasaray, but when fit to play, he stood out as one of the most talented players of his generation. Internationally, Kewell played sparingly but still managed to score 17 goals in 58 appearances. Moving to England at the age of 15 and debuting for Leeds United’s youth team at just 17, Kewell became part of the exodus at Leeds after news broke that the Yorkshire club had overspent on salaries.

Following a Champions League semifinal loss, consecutive seasons saw Leeds miss out on Champions League, and within a few years, the club might have faced relegation twice due to having to sell their star players.

Harry Kewell moved to Anfield for 5 seasons with Liverpool, but never quite regained his previous form. Kewell had a fantastic career, but with his talent, we can only guess at his potential had he not been frequently injured, and the greatest export of Australian football retired in 2014.

Conclude

Among the finest players ever produced by Australia, from the top goal scorers and individual talents like Tim Cahill, to international stars such as Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, their contributions to Australian football and the international stage cannot be overstated. From conquering top European competitions to national team triumphs, these players have made Australian football fans proud and created lasting memories. Though retired, their names will live on forever in the hearts of fans, symbolizing talent, dedication, and passion within Australian football.

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