Best Soccer Players Who Have Played In The A-League
Over the course of the A-League’s existence in Australia – some of the biggest players in world football have plyed their trade ‘Downunder’.
From the likes of FIFA World Cup winners to UEFA Champions League victors, the Australian A-League has played host to massive names over the years, long before the influx of talent to the MLS, and in recent years, Saudi Arabia. Below, join us as we look at 5 of the best players to ever strike a ball in Australia.
Alessandro Del Piero –
An iconic name in Italian football, former Juventus forward and FIFA World Cup winner, Alessandro Del Piero finally brought an end to his gold-laden tenure in Turin back in 2012 – trading Serie A for the A-League with a high-profile move to Syndey FC.
Featuring for two seasons with Sydney FC – who are hosting +500 betting odds to win the domestic league this season, with fans and punters interested in soccer able to find the best odds on Unibet’s soccer odds in Australia tab.
During his time with the club, Del Piero, who scored the final goal in a win over Germany in the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi final to book a place against France, scored 24 goals for the club.
Dwight Yorke –
Another high-profile name to spend his career swansong ‘Downunder’ is former Manchester United and Aston Villa forward, Dwight Yorke.
Winning an unprecedented, Premiership, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble with United in 1999, Trinidadian striker, Yorke eventually moved to the above-mentioned, Sydney FC back in 2005 before joining former teammate, Roy Keane at Sunderland, with the former taking the reigns of the Premier League side.
Tim Cahill –
Likely one of the most notable Australian players to ever play in world football is former Millwall and Everton fan-favorite playmaker, Tim Cahill.
Enjoying an impressive spell in England with both sides – particularly under the guidance of David Moyes at Goodison Park, Cahill would return to his home country back in 2016 in a move to Melbourne City – scoring 11 goals to boot. With his 50 goals for the Australian national side, Cahill retains the record as the Socceroos all-time leading goalscorer.
Aaron Mooy –
A well-travelled midfield maestro who also made the move to the Premier League before ending his playing career in Scotland with Celtic, New South Wales native, Aaron Mooy enjoyed a spell with Melbourne City almost a decade ago before inking a deal to join Manchester City in a high-profile move. Best recognised for his time in England with promoted side, Huddersfield Town, Mooy notably netted against Manchester United in a shock win.
Shinji Ono –
Calling time on his storied professional career just a season ago, Japanese attacking midfielder, Shinji Ono also joins a list of impressive names to ply his trade in the A-League – joining Western Syndey Warriors in 2012, having caught the eye with Eredivisie side, Feyenoord earlier the century.
A staple for the Japanese national team with 56 separate caps, during his two seasons in Sydney, Ono scored an impressive 10 goals.
