Top Australian Footballers Who Have Left a Lasting Impact

Australia has a rich history of football, with some of the world's most talented players emerging from the nation. This article explores the top 10 footballers from Australia, examining their key attributes, club and international careers, and why they stand out as some of the best footballers the country has ever produced.

1. Mark Viduka

Position: Striker

Key attributes: Skill, poise, and balance.

Clubs: Melbourne Knights, Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic, Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United

Games: 408

Goals: 202

Internationals: 45 games, 11 goals (Socceroos)

Technically superb and at times unplayable, Viduka had a stunning armoury of tricks. He dominated in Australia's NSL, then moved to Croatia before setting the English Premier League alight, racking up over 92 goals. A key reason for his enduring legacy is his ability to score crucial goals in high-pressure situations.

2. Harry Kewell

Position: Attacker/winger

Key attributes: Skill, ability to beat players.

Clubs: Leeds United, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City

Games: 380

Goals: 89

Internationals: 60 games, 19 goals (Socceroos)

At just 19, Kewell's skill, guile, and ability to beat players made him one of the world's most sought-after players in the early 2000s. His time at Liverpool culminated in the Champions League while racking up 57 top-flight goals. Known for his most memorable matches, his career remains a source of pride for millions of Australians.

3. Tim Cahill

Position: Attacking midfielder/striker

Key attributes: Heading and standing up in big moments.

Clubs: Millwall, Everton, New York Red Bulls, Shanghai Shenhua, Huangzhou Greentown, Melbourne City

Games: 559

Goals: 139

Internationals: 93 games, 48 goals (Socceroos)

Australia's big-game player, Cahill's record 139 goals for the Socceroos is coupled with 56 for Everton. Despite many coaching manuals ditching the skill of heading, he underlines why it remains a key component of the game. Cahill's career is marked by his ability to come through in clutch moments.

4. Mark Bosnich

Position: Goalkeeper

Key attributes: Shot-stopping, composure.

Clubs: Sydney United, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea

Games: 219

Goals: 1

Internationals: 22 games, 1 goal (Socceroos)

The Aston Villa goalkeeper's career is one of a kind. Sir Alex Ferguson signed him twice, first as a teen and later as Peter Schmeichel's replacement. His best years were spent at Aston Villa, where he played 179 games. Bosnich was one of the world's best keepers in the mid-1990s.

5. Josip Simunic

Position: Defender/sweeper

Key attributes: Skill, composure.

Clubs: Melbourne Knights, Hamburg, Hertha Berlin, Dinamo Zagreb

Games: 443

Goals: 12

Internationals: 105 games, 3 goals (Croatia)

Freakishly skilled, Simunic represented Croatia 105 times. Born and bred in Canberra, he went through the AIS before guiding Melbourne Knights to an NSL title at just 18. His career was marked by his technical prowess, helping him to become a Bundesliga star for a decade, primarily with Hertha Berlin.

6. Mark Bresciano

Position: Midfielder/attacker

Key attributes: Vision, skill.

Clubs: Carlton, Empoli, Parma, Palermo, Lazio

Games: 425

Goals: 70

Internationals: 84 games, 13 goals (Socceroos)

Underrated for his skill and longevity, Bresciano broke into Italy's Serie A when it was still the best league in the world. His nine-year career was characterized by standout performances, with clubs including Parma, Palermo, and Lazio showing interest in representing him. He often stood up in important matches.

7. Curly-haired Craig Johnston

Position: Winger/attacker

Key attributes: Speed, ability to beat players.

Clubs: Newcastle, KB Australia, Middlesbrough, Liverpool

Games: 267

Goals: 50

Internationals: England Under 21s

Johnston's journey from Johannesburg to Australia age six before revolutionizing the sport was impressive. The dynamic winger with extraordinary speed, stamina, and scoring knack broke into Middlesbrough's first team and spent seven years at Liverpool. His career is a testament to determination.

Notable Mentions

Other notable Australian footballers like Ned Zelic, who succeeded wherever he played, and Tim Cahill’s coach, elevation of talent and international performance have left their mark on the sport. It is a testament to the skills and determination of these players that they have consistently impressed both in domestic and international competitions.

From the technical brilliance of Viduka and Kewell to the composure of Bosnich, these players have earned their place in the annals of Australian football. Their journeys continue to inspire a new generation of players in one of the world's most passionate sports.