Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler admits it is difficult to fully appreciate the whirlwind rise that has taken him from Sky Blues regular to the cusp of a FIFA World Cup.
The 20-year-old earned himself as spot in Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after enjoying a breakthrough season with Sydney FC, where he established himself as a key figure under both Ufuk Talay and Patrick Kisnorbo.
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Speaking to media at the Socceroos’ Oakland training base on Thursday morning, Okon-Engstler reflected on the rapid progress he has made over the past 12 months.
“Obviously I think it’s difficult to reflect in the moment, just because so much is happening,” he said.
“Since the start of the season, I’ve had a lot of growth. Being able to play my first full season professionally as a footballer has helped me grow so much physically and mentally.
“I’m just so happy that I’m able to be here and have the opportunity at the end of my season to be able to take part in the World Cup.
“I’m just so grateful for this opportunity that I’ve been given.”
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The World Cup call-up carries extra significance for the Sydney FC midfielder, whose father Paul Okon enjoyed a decorated career with the Socceroos and now serves as an assistant to Popovic.
However, despite representing the Socceroos with distinction, the elder Okon never had the opportunity to play at a FIFA World Cup.
That made the message he delivered to his son after selection all the more meaningful.
“When I made the squad, he congratulated me and said, ‘You’ve already done something that I haven’t been able to do’,”
‘I(Okon Snr) never got the opportunity to play in a World Cup’, so me being able to do that and take part in that is such an achievement for me and my family.
“I’m just so grateful for that.”
Whilst the father/son dynamic is clearly present within the Socceroos camp, Okon-Engstler admits it’s hard for the duo to actually sit down and be just that, admitting seperating family from football isn’t easy.
“I think it’s difficult in camp to do that. I think once I’m in camp it’s just a normal coach and player relationship, but yeah, obviously as soon as I go outside of camp it’s back to normal.
“But in camp, I don’t really have time to talk to him. I’m just focused on doing my best in training and playing, and yeah, I think it’s quite difficult.”
