Returning to Australia for some much-needed recovery after a demanding season in Europe, aleagues.com.au had the opportunity to speak with Subway Socceroo and former Adelaide United standout Awer Mabil.
Over a decade has passed since a youthful Mabil made his debut in the Isuzu UTE A-League with Adelaide United, yet the affection he has for the Reds remains unmistakably strong. The aspiration of one day returning to play at Coopers Stadium is firmly in his sights.
“I feel a deep connection with Adelaide,” shared the 29-year-old during our chat while he was back in his hometown for the off-season.
“It’s obviously where my family and friends are, and in football, anything can happen. I know where I would love to play, but the future is unpredictable.
“If it were up to me, I’d be playing in front of my family every week because they’ve certainly earned it, especially after all my time away. When I do return, I want it to be a fun experience, not just to hang up my boots.”
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He added, “I want to win something significant. If I could do that for my home city, it would be amazing. But if it doesn’t happen, then it’s simply not meant to be.”
“I really care for this club, and who knows what the future holds? I hope things work out for both me and the team.”
It’s been nearly a decade since Mabil departed from Adelaide United to join Danish club FC Midtjylland, launching a journey that has now taken him through six countries across Europe, all while collecting accolades along the way.
“My childhood dream was always to make it to Europe, and I moved there when I was 19. One of my goals was to remain in Europe for at least a decade.
“Many Australian players head overseas only to return early, and I didn’t want to fall into that pattern. I’ve always wanted to achieve that goal somehow.”
His journey began with a league and cup win in Denmark before moving to Portuguese club Paços de Ferreira. This was followed by a spell in Turkey with Kasimpasa, a brief period at La Liga’s Cadiz in Spain, then a loan to Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, where he captured another league title.
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Not yet settling down, Mabil’s next adventure took him to Switzerland with Grasshopper Club Zurich, and he is now based on the eastern coast of Spain.
Yet it’s at Spanish second-tier club CD Castellón where the 29-year-old claims he’s found his happiest moment in four years.
“Honestly, it’s been incredible,” Mabil stated about his time at the club located in the picturesque region of Valencia.
“The last three months have been the most fulfilling period in my career, reminiscent of how I felt at Adelaide.”
“I’ve been searching for that feeling, and I now have a connection with my teammates and the environment around me. I feel I’m in a much better place compared to the last four years.
“I feel I can continue to grow as a player, and the club and its fans are fantastic. The passion here is palpable, with our stadium packed nearly every week. Plus, the style of football we play is very engaging—you really need to see it!”
And he’s right on that count.
For context, CD Castellón have largely played in the lower divisions throughout their history. Recently promoted back to the Segunda Division in 2023-24, Castellón adopts a playing style reminiscent of renowned A-Leagues coach Ange Postecoglou.
“It’s thrilling to watch! We can be leading 3-1 or 3-2, yet we only have one defender back while the others push forward!” Mabil shared with a laugh. “It’s exhilarating as an attacking player, but I imagine not so much for the defenders,” he joked, referring to the tactical approach under Dutch coach Johan Plat.
“But ultimately, we all play defence, so when we lose the ball, it’s a scramble back! You should check out our highlights, it’s filled with excitement.”
“The club is striving for promotion (to La Liga), which is one of the main reasons for my motivation to join. They are focusing on achieving certain goals this off-season, and if we get it right, I genuinely believe we can challenge anyone in the league with our style.”
While they showcase some of the most thrilling attacking football the Spanish Segunda Division has ever witnessed, perhaps the most intriguing aspect of CD Castellón is their owner: Greek-Canadian professional gambler Haralabos ‘Bob’ Voulgaris.
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A celebrated pro poker player and former head of quantitative research for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, the 49-year-old Voulgaris has traded high-stakes gambling and US sports for the gamble of reviving a small club back to the top tier for the first time since 2009-10.
“What a character!” Mabil beamed when discussing the man affectionately known as ‘Bob’.
“When I first met him, I didn’t even recognise him! Most club owners show up in suits and act aloof, but he was just a down-to-earth guy.
“He mingled with everyone, introduced himself, and expressed how glad he was to have me at the club. At first, I thought he was part of the staff before realising who he actually was!”
He added, “He is the most approachable club owner I’ve met, chatting with everyone and even bringing his dog to training! He’s present almost every day—what a guy! I can’t express enough how great he is as a human being; to me, it’s not about what you do but how you treat others, and he’s top-notch.”
For Mabil, the cutthroat nature of elite football in Europe is something he has grown accustomed to. Whether it’s being sidelined or facing broken promises, he is now in a position to mentor younger Australian players making their own way abroad—an opportunity he cherishes.
“I’m always available for young players; I’ve mentioned it countless times. My door is always open.
“When I can, I like to provide candid advice and help them navigate their journey, so they can sidestep pitfalls and avoid taking the longer route.”
“Reflecting on my own journey, I should have perhaps spent another year in the Isuzu UTE A-League before heading overseas,” Mabil advised. “I found it challenging to earn my spot in a starting XI, taking me three years.
“So when I guide younger players making the leap to Europe, I always stress the importance of patience. Keep honing your skills, for a lack of playing time doesn’t mean your career is over. Instead, consider what you can improve to earn a place on the bench and eventually break into the starting lineup.
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“These are the insights I try to share with them; I can only hope they listen!”
“I admire that players like Nestory (Irankunda) are now over in Europe, as well as the Toure brothers. There are many more young talents emerging.
“So whenever they seek support, I’m always here, ready to lend a hand while they embark on their paths.”
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH AWER MABIL
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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