21st season in existence of Adelaide United FC
Adelaide United 2024–25 football season
Adelaide United| 2024–25 season |
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| Chairman | Ned Morris |
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| Manager | Carl Veart |
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| Stadium | Coopers Stadium |
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| A-League Men | Matchweek 2 |
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| Australia Cup | Round of 16 |
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| Top goalscorer | League:
All: Yaya Dukuly
Luka Jovanovic
Stefan Mauk (1 each) |
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| Biggest win | 3–2
vs. Blacktown City (A)
(31 July 2024)
Australia Cup |
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| All statistics correct as of 31 July 2024. |
The 2024–25 season is the 21st in the history of Adelaide United Football Club since its establishment in 2003. The club will participate in the A-League Men for the 20th consecutive season and is making their 10th consecutive appearance in the Australia Cup.
Adelaide United's start to the season was headlined by the loss of Nestory Irankunda, who joined Bayern Munich after agreeing terms with the club in November 2023 for a record domestic Australian transfer fee and last season's top scorer, Hiroshi Ibusuki, who netted 15 goals across the 2023–24 season.
Season summary
Pre-season
On 10 May 2024, 20-year-old goalkeeper Ethan Cox extended his contract for a further three years. Cox was promoted from the NTC in 2019 and made 19 appearances for the NPL team in their title-winning season before making his senior debut in the final round of last season in a dead rubber match.[1]
On 14 May, the departure of Ben Halloran was announced.[2][3] Two days later, Hiroshi Ibusuki departed the club by mutual consent.[4][5] Hiroshi was last season's top scorer with 15 goals in 26 matches and intended to remain with the club; however, his request for a longer-term deal was rejected.[6] On 17 May, Nick Ansell, Lachlan Barr, Harry Van der Saag, and Ben Warland were released following the expiration of their contracts.[7][8][9]
On 27 May, former Dutch international Ernest Faber was announced as the club's new technical director in order to improve the club's coaching and recruitment. The announcement came a few months after a strategic partnership with PSV Eindhoven was finalised.[10][11]
On 28 May, three Adelaide United players, Luka Jovanovic, Bailey O'Neil, and Jonny Yull, were selected for the Young Socceroos' squad for their June tour of South America.[12] The next day, Nestory Irankunda was named as one of eight A-League Men players to feature in the Socceroos' squad for their final second round World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine.[13] This was Irankunda's first official call-up to the squad, having previously joined as a train-on player in March 2023. The callup came a week after Irankunda publicly commented that he would consider his international future with other nations if he wasn't called up to the Socceroos squad, as he is eligible to represent Burundi or Tanzania.[14][15]
On 4 June, Spaniards Isaías and Javi López both signed a one-year contract extension ahead of their joint retirement at the end of the season. Isaías has had two spells at the club since 2013 and was apart of the club's title winning season as well as their subsequent FFA cup win in 2018. Both players will study for coaching badges.[16][17]
On 6 June, 19-year-old Newcastle Jets centre-forward, Archie Goodwin, signed with Adelaide United on a four-year contract. Goodwin made his debut for Newcastle at the age of 16 and has played 44 matches in the A-League Men, scoring seven goals in that period, although he suffered numerous injuries during his four years with the Jets.[18][19]
On 21 June, 24-year-old winger, Dylan Pierias, signed with the club on a three-year contract, following his expiration of his contract with Western Sydney Wanderers. Pierias has played for numerous clubs around the A-League and has represented Australia's youth sides on 16 occasions, most recently in 2021.[20][21]
On 25 June, Musa Toure was signed by Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot for an undisclosed fee. Musa, the youngest of brothers Al Hassan and Mohamed, played 11 games for the senior side across two seasons since signing with the youth team for four years.[22][23][24] The next day, Austin Ayoubi signed a two-year contract extension with the club.[25][26]
On 30 June, 33-year-old Dutch centre-back, Bart Vriends, signed a two-year contract with Adelaide. Vriends made 192 league appearances for Sparta Rotterdam across eight seasons, seven of which were spent in the Eredivise. The move was influenced by technical director Ernest Faber, who joined the club from PSV Eindhoven last month, and club legend Craig Goodwin, who previously played with Vriends for two seasons.[27][28]
On 4 July, young centre-back, Panagiotis Kikianis, signed a five-year contract with the club, the longest contract in A-League history. Kikianis made his professional debut midway through last season and scored a last minute equaliser against Perth Glory in his second game.[29][30]
Adelaide United played their first pre-season friendly on 9 July against The Cove of SA State League 2, winning 9–0 in front of 2,500 spectators, with goals from Dylan Pierias, Ryan Kitto, Austin Ayoubi, Archie Goodwin, Ryan White, and braces from Luka Jovanovic and Yaya Dukuly.[31] A second pre-season friendly took place a week later on 16 July against Adelaide Blue Eagles of State League 1, which United won 6–0. Stefan Mauk scored twice in addition to goals from Goodwin, Pierias, Jovanovic and Ayoubi.[32] The final friendly before the Australia Cup was an 8–1 win against Cumberland United, with Jovanovic scoring once, Panashe Madanha and Zach Clough scoring braces and Goodwin getting a hat-trick.[33]
Australia Cup
The draw for the 2024 Australia Cup round of 32 took place on 19 June 2024. Adelaide United were drawn away to NPL NSW side Blacktown City.[34][35] Adelaide led 35 minutes in through Stefan Mauk, who scored a tap-in from Ryan Kitto's cutback. Blacktown City were on top at the beginning of the second half, eventually equalising in the 71st minute. United held Blacktown off for the regulation period, forcing extra time. The Reds dominated the extra 30 minutes, Yaya Dukuly broke the deadlock in the 98th minute with a half volley from a tight angle. 10 minutes later, Austin Ayoubi robbed defender Nick O'Brien of the ball before playing a forward pass to Luka Jovanovic who extended Adelaide's lead. Blacktown scored again in the final minutes of play, however Adelaide would hang on to qualify for the round of 16.[36]
On 6 August, Adelaide United completed the signing of 19-year-old Dutch winger Julian Kwaaitaal on a three-year deal with the option to extend for a further year from PSV Eindhoven. The club immediately loaned him out to Eerste Divisie club, FC Eindhoven,[37] which ensured that Kwaaitaal didn't take up a visa slot.[38][39]
On 7 August, the club released their home kit for the season, which pays homage to Adelaide's nickname as the 'City of Churches', with a design inspired by the archway of St Peter's Cathedral.[40][41] The kit was showcased at Adelaide's fourth friendly match against West Adelaide to open the Hellas' new home stadium, the Kilburn Sportsplex. Adelaide won the match 8–0; Austin Ayoubi scored four goals, trialist Godwin Bentil got a brace, Jonny Yull scored once, and Josh Cavallo scored a long-ranged goal off the post from outside the box.[42][43] On 8 August, Feyzo Kasumović, Malual Nichola and Amlani Tatu signed three-year scholarship contracts with the club.[44][45]
Adelaide will play a fifth friendly match against Adelaide Croatia Raiders on 14 August.[43]
A-League Men
Adelaide United will participate in the A-League Men for the 20th time. The first round will take place on the weekend of 18–20 October, with each team playing 26 games across a 29-round season.[46] The full fixture list was released on 2 August 2024. Adelaide United received a bye in the first, 11th and final rounds, their first match taking place on 26 October at home against Central Coast Mariners.[47]
Coaching staff
Players
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Other players
Youth players who featured in a matchday squad, but are uncontracted to the senior team.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player | | 44 | MF |  AUS | Ryan White | | | No. | Pos. | Nation | Player | | 58 | FW | AUS | Harry Crawford | |
Transfers and contracts
Transfers in
From youth squad
N
| Pos.
| Nat.
| Name
| Age
| Notes
|
| 74 | FW | | Amlani Tatu | 16 | 3-year scholarship[44][54] |
| 78 | DF | | Malual Nichola | 16 | 3-year scholarship[44][54] |
| 79 | DF | | Feyzo Kasumović | 16 | 3-year scholarship[44][54] |
Transfers out
Contract extensions
| No. | Player | Position | Duration | Date | Notes | Ref. |
| 40 | Ethan Cox | Goalkeeper | 3 years | 10 May 2024 | Replaces previous contract which ran until end of 2024–25. | [1] |
| 8 |  Isaías | Defensive midfielder | 1 year | 4 June 2024 | | [16] |
| 21 | Javi López | Right-back | 1 year | 4 June 2024 | | [16] |
| 42 | Austin Ayoubi | Winger | 2 years | 26 June 2024 | | [25] |
| 51 | Panagiotis Kikianis | Centre-back | 5 years | 4 July 2024 | | [29] |
| 55 | Ethan Alagich | Centre midfielder | 5 years | 9 August 2024 | Replaces previous contract which ran until end of 2024–25. | [59] |
Pre-season and friendlies
The Cove v Adelaide United | 9 July 2024 | The Cove | 0–9 | Adelaide United | Adelaide |
| 18:30 ACST | | Report | | Stadium: Southern Soccer Facility
Attendance: 2,500 |
Competitions
Overall record
| Competition | First match | Last match | Starting round | Record |
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % |
| A-League Men | 26 October 2023 | 26 April 2025 | Matchweek 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | !— |
| Australia Cup | 31 July 2024 | TBD | Round of 32 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Total | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 100.00 |
A-League Men
League table
First match(es) will be played: 18 October 2024. Source: A-Leagues
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) wins; 3) goal difference; 4) goals scored; 5) head-to-head results; 5a) head-to-head points; 5b) head-to-head goal difference; 6) Fair Play points; 7) away goal difference; 8) away goals per match; 9) home goal difference; 10) home goals per match; 11) toss of a coin in an event of a tie of two clubs.[60][61]
Notes:
Results summary
| Overall | Home | Away |
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Ultimate A-League
Results by round
Source: Ultimate A-League
A = Away; H = Home; N = Neutral; B = Bye; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Matches
Unite Round fixtures were released on 18 July 2024.[62] The full fixture list was released on 2 August 2024.[47]
Win Draw Loss
Australia Cup
The round of 32 fixtures were drawn on 19 June 2024.[34] with the date, time and venue confirmed on 25 June 2024.[35] The draw for the remaining rounds was held on 7 August 2024, with Adelaide United being drawn to play Olympic Kingsway away in Perth.[63]
Win Draw Loss
Statistics
Appearances and goals
Includes all competitions. Players with no appearances not included in the list.
- As of 31 July 2024
Disciplinary record
Includes all competitions. The list is sorted by squad number when total cards are equal. Players with no cards not included in the list.
- As of 31 July 2024
Notes
- ^ Reported to be $5,700,000 plus add-ons.[57]
References
- ^ a b "Young talent Ethan Cox extends contract with United". Adelaide United. 10 May 2024. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Ben Halloran departs Adelaide United". Adelaide United. 14 May 2024. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Adelaide United confirm exit of club legend after six years: 'He'll always be welcome back'". A-Leagues. 14 May 2024. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Thank you and goodbye, Hiroshi Ibusuki". Adelaide United. 16 May 2024. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024.
- ^ Pisani, Sacha (16 May 2024). "Adelaide farewell Reds star after his best ever top-flight season". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024.
- ^ Monteverde, Marco (22 May 2024). "Japanese marksman Hiroshi Ibusuki has joined Western United". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Reds farewell three defenders from A-League Men's side". Adelaide United. 17 May 2024. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024.
- ^ a b "United waves goodbye to Warland". Adelaide United. 17 May 2024. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Defensive quartet add to growing list of Adelaide departures as Reds rebuild begins". A-Leagues. 17 May 2024. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Reds appoint PSV legend Ernest Faber as technical director". Adelaide United. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Adelaide United announce PSV icon as new technical director: 'monumental day for our club'". A-Leagues. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Subway Young Socceroos squad named for South American tour". Football Australia. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Subway Socceroos squad for final Round Two World Cup Qualifiers confirmed". Socceroos. 29 May 2024. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024.
- ^ Comito, Matt (24 May 2024). "Nestory Irankunda's delivers warning to Socceroos in major hint at national team future". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024.
- ^ Lynch, Joey (24 May 2024). "Irankunda wants Australia call-up but won't rule out switch". ESPN. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "Reds veterans Isaías and Javi López commit to one final year". Adelaide United. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024.
- ^ "Veteran Adelaide duo set to call time on playing careers after one more season in red". A-Leagues. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Exciting young forward Archie Goodwin becomes a Red". Adelaide United. 6 June 2024. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024.
- ^ Comito, Matt (6 June 2024). "A-Leagues wonderkid signs four-year deal with Adelaide United". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Accomplished winger, Pierias, inks three-year deal with Reds". Adelaide United. 21 June 2024. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Dylan Pierias outlines 'major reasons' for joining Adelaide United on long-term deal". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 22 June 2024.
- ^ a b "United bid au revior to Musa Toure". Adelaide United. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Un jeune Australien débarque au Clermont Foot 63" [A young Australian arrives at Clermont Foot 63]. Clermont Foot (in French). 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Teenage Reds forward Musa Toure joins French club for an undisclosed fee: Full details". Adelaide United. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024.
- ^ a b "South Australian local, Austin Ayoubi, remains a Red for two more years". Adelaide United. 26 June 2024. Archived from the original on 26 June 2024.
- ^ Pisani, Sacha (26 June 2024). "'Fan favourite' earns new deal with Adelaide: 'Remarkable talent'". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 27 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Reds sign Dutch centre back and Eredivise talisman, Vriends, on a two-year deal". Adelaide United. 30 June 2024. Archived from the original on 30 June 2024.
- ^ Pisani, Sacha (30 June 2024). "'Perfect fit': Huge coup as Adelaide lure Eredivise captain to A-Leagues after icon's advice". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 2 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Pana pens five-year contract extension with Adelaide United". Adelaide United. 4 July 2024. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024.
- ^ Pisani, Sacha (4 July 2024). "A-Leagues history made as 19-year-old signs groundbreaking contract with Adelaide". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024.
- ^ @AdelaideUnited (10 July 2024). "The perfect start to our pre-season friendlies. A big shoutout to @TheCoveFC for hosting and thank you to the 2500 Adelaide and Cove fans who came out and showed their support. The game ended 9-0 and our goals scorers were: Luka Jovanović x2, Dylan Pierias, Ryan Kitto, Austin Ayoubi, Archie Goodwin, Yaya Dukuly x2 and Ryan White" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @AdelaideUnited (16 July 2024). "Another great preseason hit-out at Marden. The game ended 6-0. Our goal scorers were Stefan Mauk x2, Archie Goodwin, Dylan Pierias, Luka Jovanović and Austin Ayoubi. Shout out to all the fans who came out and @AdelBlueEagles for hosting us" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Reds Prep for Australia Cup with Cumberland Clash". Adelaide United. 24 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Australia Cup 2024 round of 32 draw confirmed". Australia Cup. Football Australia. 19 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Australia Cup 2024 round of 32 match schedule confirmed". Australia Cup. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Tim (31 July 2024). "Adelaide, Western Sydney and Newcastle avoid cupsets, Lions FC advance with dominant display". Australia Cup. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024.
- ^ a b "FC Eindhoven huurt Kwaaitaal van Adelaide United" [FC Eindhoven hire Kwaaitaal from Adelaide United]. FC Eindhoven (in Dutch). 6 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024.
- ^ a b c "Young Dutch prospect Julian Kwaaitaal, signs for Reds". Adelaide United. 6 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024.
- ^ "Adelaide sign PSV teen, loan him out immediately in fascinating transfer". A-Leagues. 6 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024.
- ^ "'Steeped in tradition' – Adelaide unveils iconic new 2024/25 home shirt". Adelaide United. 7 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024.
- ^ "Adelaide United launch iconic new home kit for 2024-25 A-Leagues season". A-Leagues. 7 August 2024. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Reds preseason squad update ahead of West Adelaide clash". Adelaide United. 7 August 2024. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Adelaide United defeat West Adelaide in preseason friendly". Adelaide United. 8 August 2024. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Reds secure future stars, Kasumović, Nichola, and Tatu with three-year deals". Adelaide United. 8 August 2024. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024.
- ^ Pisani, Sacha (8 August 2024). "The future is now: Adelaide United lock down three teen stars with 'tremendous potential'". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Dates announced for 2024–25 A-Leagues season". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Full fixture for 2024-25 Isuzu Ute A-League season released: Every match here". A-Leagues. 2 August 2024.
- ^ "Management and staff". Adelaide United.
- ^ "Veart re-signs with Reds for further three years". Adelaide United. 6 April 2023. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023.
- ^ "Reds appoint Mark Milligan as new men's assistant coach". Adelaide United. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022.
- ^ "Damian Mori returns to Reds as assistant coach". Adelaide United. 22 August 2022. Archived from the original on 22 August 2022.
- ^ "Airton Andrioli appointed as Reds' head of youth football". Adelaide United. 13 November 2020. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Reds in safe hands as Galekovic signs three-year extension". Adelaide United. 22 June 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022.
- ^ a b c 10 News First Adelaide [@10NewsFirstAdl] (8 August 2024). "Dubbed by some 'the next Nestory Irankunda,' 16-year-old Amlani Tatu has his eye on being @AdelaideUnited's next breakout star. He and fellow academy prodigies Feyzo Kasumovic and Malual Nichola signed scholarship deals with the club" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Harry Van Der Saag signs for Brisbane Roar". Brisbane Roar. 17 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Brisbane Roar sign Ben Warland". Brisbane Roar. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Nestory Irankunda secures Bayern Munich move". Socceroos. 14 November 2023. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023.
- ^ "Irankunda seals Bayern move". Adelaide United. 14 November 2023. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023.
- ^ "The Alagich legacy continues: Ethan Alagich secures five-year deal with the Reds". Adelaide United. 9 August 2024.
- ^ "A-League Competition rules". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 29 October 2023.
- ^ "Explained: Why the A-Leagues ladder sorting rules have changed this season". A-Leagues. 2 January 2024. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024.
- ^ "Unite Round launched for 2024–25: Everything you need to know". A-Leagues. 18 July 2024. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024.
- ^ "Australia Cup 2024 Round of 16 Draw confirmed". Australia Cup. 7 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Adelaide United 2024/25 A-League Men squad". Soccerway.
- ^ "Player statistics (appearances)". Ultimate A-League.
- ^ "Player statistics (goals)". Ultimate A-League.
- ^ "James Delianov". Soccerway.
- ^ "Stefan Mauk". Soccerway.
- ^ "Ryan Kitto". Soccerway.
- ^ "Isaías". Soccerway.
- ^ "Luka Jovanovic". Soccerway.
- ^ "Zach Clough". Soccerway.
- ^ "Jonny Yull". Soccerway.
- ^ a b "Yaya Dukuly". Soccerway.
- ^ "Dylan Pierias". Soccerway.
- ^ "Javi Lopez". Soccerway.
- ^ "Ryan Tunnicliffe". Soccerway.
- ^ "Panashe Madanha". Soccerway.
- ^ "Austin Ayoubi". Soccerway.
- ^ "Ryan White". Soccerway.
- ^ "Panagiotis Kikianis". Soccerway.
- ^ "Ethan Alagich". Soccerway.
Adelaide United FC seasons |
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| National teams | |
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| League competitions | | Men's | | Level 1 | |
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| Level 2 | - National Premier Leagues (2024, 2025)
- National Second Division (2025)
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| Women's | | Level 1 | |
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| Level 2 | - National Premier Leagues Women's
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| Cup competitions | |
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Club seasons | | A-League Men | |
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| A-League Women | - Adelaide United
- Brisbane Roar
- Canberra United
- Central Coast Mariners
- Melbourne City
- Melbourne Victory
- Newcastle Jets
- Perth Glory
- Sydney FC
- Wellington Phoenix
- Western Sydney Wanderers
- Western United
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Carl Veart 
Airton Andrioli 
Ernest Faber 
Hiroshi Ibusuki 
Clermont Foot 
Bayern Munich 
Isaías
