Melbourne City have pulled off one of the biggest signings of the Isuzu UTE A-League off-season, securing Socceroo Awer Mabil on a three-year deal.
The experienced winger returns to Australia for the first time in more than a decade after completing a permanent move from Spanish Segunda Division side CD Castellón.
Mabil arrives with an impressive résumé, having made more than 300 appearances across Europe, including in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
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Awer Mabil training with the Socceroos
The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful seven-year spell with Danish giants FC Midtjylland, where he scored 20 goals and registered 27 assists in 146 appearances while helping the club win three major trophies.
His club form earned him a Socceroos debut in 2018 and he has since made 39 appearances for Australia, scoring 10 goals and featuring at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Capable of playing on either wing, Mabil links up with fellow Socceroos Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie at Melbourne City as Aurelio Vidmar’s side prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
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“After spending more than a decade playing in Europe, I’m really excited to be coming home to Australia and beginning this new journey with Melbourne City,” Mabil said, after putting pen-to-paper on his contract.
“Following Australian football from afar in recent years, it’s impossible not to be impressed by what Melbourne City has built.
“The ambition, the standards and the success the Club has achieved made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, getting to work with Aurelio and all of the coaching staff, and doing everything I can to help bring more success to the Club and our fans.”
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said signing a player of Mabil’s quality was a significant moment for the club.
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Awer Mabil (#17) of Adelaide United back in 2014
“Awer is one of Australia’s most accomplished footballers and we’re incredibly excited to welcome him to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“To attract a player of his calibre is a significant moment for our Club and reflects the environment, culture and football program we’ve built over a number of years.
“Awer’s quality on the pitch speaks for itself, but just as importantly he’s an outstanding person who has consistently made a positive impact away from football through his work in the community. He’s exactly the type of person we want representing Melbourne City.
“We’re delighted to have him join the Club and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll have both on and off the pitch over the coming years.”
