New Melbourne City signing and Socceroos fan favourite Awer Mabil says the chance to help grow the A-Leagues was simply one he couldn’t turn down.
After an impressive 12-year stint in Europe which saw him rack up more than 300 league appearances, the 39-time Australian international opted to head back to Australia, putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with Melbourne City.
Most recently contracted to Spanish Segunda Division side CD Castellon, 30-year-old Mabil also plied his trade in Denmark, Switzerland, Czechia and Turkey but has now opted to return to the A-Leagues, with 2025/26 Champions City winning the race for his signature.
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“I think at this this point in my career, it’s a perfect time to come back,” Mabil said, when speaking to journalists on Wednesday.
“Firstly, when I went over to Europe, I had dreams that I wanted to achieve, and you know, with hard work, I’ve been able to do that.
“I thought about the future and what can I do also for the game in Australia and I think I’m in a perfect age to also be able to make an impact.
“So I thought it was the right time to do that.”
Not short of offers, Mabil could quite easily have found himself a new club somewhere in Europe or indeed elsewhere overseas.
However the Socceroos winger and 2023 Young Australian of the Year believes it’s his responsibility to help grow the game here in Australia.
“We have to grow our league, and if anybody can play their role, they have to do that.
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Awer Mabil poses during a media opportunity at AAMI Park
“I feel at this this stage of my career, I can help. And I don’t see why our league should not grow, you know, because a lot of players always ask me about Australia.”
A fan favourite during his time with boyhood club Adelaide United, Mabil admits the ties to his hometown will always remain strong, however the vision put forward by Melbourne City and their head coach Aurelio Vidmar was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“I see the project that the City (Football) Group has, and everything that they’ve set up around the club,” Mabil said.
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Awer Mabil #11 of Australia celebrates
“I obviously have a few teammates from the Socceroos in the squad, they’ve told me great things about the club, and it just aligned.
“I think their ambition and my ambition really aligned at this time. So I am really looking forward and also excited for what’s ahead.”
Asked whether he held talks with the Reds, Mabil said: “You know Adelaide is my home. Also, my family is there.
“But I also have to look for what gives me the best possibility to also win stuff.
Awer Mabil in action for Adelaide
“I think I’ve made the right choice in this moment of my career, and I am just looking forward to playing for this club and giving my very best for the fans and the whole group.”
Mabil will now link-up with two players he knows well from the Socceroos in Mathew Leckie and Aziz Behich, both of whom played alongside the 30-year-old at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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One player who won’t be featuring for City this season though is goalkeeper Patrick Beach who, following an impressive World Cup campaign sealed a transfer to Ligue 1 side Troyes.
“Yeah, it’s been amazing,” said Mabil, when asked about some of his Socceroos teammates sealing moves to Europe during the off-season.
Awer Mabil #11 of Australia scores the third penalty
“Patrick (Beach) just left also, so that’s really nice. Nes (Nestory Irankunda) also is going.
“Young Paulo (Paul Okon-Engstler) is going. So the World Cup has been great for the young generation coming up, and it’s great for Australian football also to help young players going to to these leagues.
“So we’re all excited, and I think for the national team, you know, the next 10-15 years is looking very good.
“And I encourage everybody to get behind and yeah, follow these young players also in their next journeys.”
Nestory Irankunda #17 of Australia celebrates scoring
Asked specifically about Irankunda’s move to Portuguese giants Sporting CP, Mabil believes his young teammate and close friend is destined for great things.
“I think it’s a very good move for him. It’s a perfect club, also for him to take that next step, and then from there on, you know, he will make a bigger step for sure.
“So, yeah, I think it’s a great move for him, and you know, Nes is growing a lot.
“You can see his growth over the last couple years, and yeah, you saw it at the World Cup also. So, I think we just have to continue to to be there for him, and you know guide him.
“I’m sure he’s gonna he’s gonna do great there.”
