Adelaide United great Craig Goodwin doesn’t want to retire without lifting one more trophy with his boyhood club.
The 34-year-old knows the end of his illustrious career is approaching, with the chance of a Socceroos recall for next year’s Asian Cup appearing unlikely.
So it’s the opportunity to write the perfect ending to his fourth and potentially last chapter at his childhood club that’s driving the veteran winger.
Australia’s 2022 World Cup goalscoring hero, Reds captain Goodwin’s bid to feature at this year’s FIFA tournament was derailed by injuries.
TRANSFER CENTRE: A-League Men 2026/27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
Goodwin had made a successful return from foot surgery to start the 2025/26 season, before suffering a groin injury in February.
He recovered in time to feature in second-placed Adelaide’s finals campaign, but came off the bench in the club’s eventual two-legged semi-final defeat to champions Auckland FC.
With his three-year contract set to end after the 2027/28 season, Goodwin – who was part of the club’s maiden 2016 championship as well as their 2018 Australia Cup triumph – is narrowing his focus.
The Reds play 2025/26 Grand Finalists Sydney FC away to start their campaign after sitting out last week’s opening round due to the club’s Asian Champions League Two schedule.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE 2026/27 A-LEAGUE MEN SEASON
“I know I’m obviously coming towards the back end of my career, but I like to compete consistently,” Goodwin told AAP.
“I feel I’ve been lucky enough to win with Adelaide and have that taste.
“But besides a championship-winning season, every other season with Adelaide, it’s like six years now I’ve lost in the semi-final.
“That feels like unfinished business, wanting to try and lift silverware again with the club.”
Goodwin hasn’t been part of a Socceroos squad since Australia’s friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in November.
There is only one international window left before the Asian Cup in January, with the Socceroos to play Qatar and Jordan in November.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO SYDNEY V ADELAIDE UNITED
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 20: Craig Goodwin of Australia controls the ball during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Having witnessed what former Reds young guns Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure could produce in the Americas this year, Goodwin says he’s made peace with the possibility that his Socceroos career is over.
“I’ve left it open. I’m not closing the door on the national team,” Goodwin said.
MUST READ: Championship winner highlights key issue hindering Victory boss Savarese
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 30: Taylor Regan of Adelaide United has a moment with goal scorer Craig Goodwin of Adelaide United during the FFA Cup Final match between Adelaide United and Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on October 30, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
“If it doesn’t come, that’s OK … If more comes, then that would be great.
“And my ambition is to play as well as I can to try and be in that position.
“However, the national team is in a great spot right now … having the potential to kick on the next four- to eight-year cycle is really exciting, thinking about the possibilities of where it could be.
“I’m able to try and help Adelaide’s young players to be able to progress, to do what some of the boys like ‘Mo’ and ‘Nestor’ are doing.”
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE 2026/27 A-LEAGUE MEN SEASON
