Socceroos veteran Mitch Duke has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 13-year international career highlighted by Australia’s run to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
The 35-year-old finishes with 50 appearances and 13 goals for Australia, and is one of only 11 Socceroos to score at a World Cup.
Duke’s defining international moment came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when his headed goal secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia — Australia’s first win at the tournament in 12 years.
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He also featured in the 1-0 victory over Denmark that sealed the Socceroos’ place in the Round of 16 that year.
As well as the World Cup, Duke represented Australia at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
He helped the Socceroos qualify for a sixth consecutive World Cup this year, but was sadly overlooked for the 2026 event.
Duke celebrates his famous goal in the 2022 World Cup. Credit: AAP
“After a lot of reflection, the time has come for me to officially announce my retirement from international football,” Duke said.
“As a kid growing up in Australia, I dreamed of wearing the green and gold just once. To have gone on to represent my country 50 times is a dream come true 50 times over, and a privilege I never took for granted.
“While I will cherish every memory, scoring for Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains the absolute highlight of my career.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to pull on the Socceroos jersey and represent our nation.”
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic praised Duke’s contribution after the striker played a role during Australia’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
“I’d like to congratulate Mitch Duke on an outstanding contribution to the Socceroos,” Popovic said.
“Not many players reach the 50-cap milestone, and fewer have scored at a FIFA World Cup.
“He gave absolutely everything in his bid to help us reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At all times, he was a fantastic professional.”
Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler said Duke had represented Australia “with distinction” throughout his career.
“Mitch Duke embodied everything that Australians value in a footballer – resilience, determination, humility and an unwavering commitment to the team,” Kugeler said.
“Beyond his performances on the pitch, Mitch was a respected leader whose professionalism and character set an example for the next generation of Australian players.”
Born in Liverpool in Sydney’s southwest, Duke began his career with Parramatta Eagles before making his professional debut with the Central Coast Mariners.
He went on to build a successful club career in Japan with Shimizu S-Pulse, Fagiano Okayama and Machida Zelvia, where he will continue playing after ending his international career.
Duke made his Socceroos debut against South Korea in July 2013 and leaves the national team as one of the more experienced players of Australia’s modern era.
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