Asian Cup MVP Signs with Jets to Collaborate with Socceroos Legend: “I’m Absolutely Thrilled!”

Emerging Young Socceroos talent Alexander Badolato has signed a two-year contract with Newcastle Jets, bringing to a close his seven-year journey with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Badolato joined the Wanderers academy when he was just 13 and went on to feature in 20 matches in the Isuzu UTE A-League over three and a half seasons. This included a loan spell at Melbourne Victory beginning in February 2025.

The 20-year-old made nine appearances for Victory, notably coming off the bench for 30 minutes in the 2025 Grand Final against Melbourne City. After his loan concluded, the Young Socceroo has officially joined the Jets with a contract that extends until the conclusion of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026-27 season.

Badolato becomes the first signing under new Jets head coach Mark Milligan, a celebrated Subway Socceroo whose move to Newcastle played a crucial role in persuading the midfielder to join the club.

“I’m thrilled about the chance to work alongside a talented coach like Mark Milligan,” Badolato commented.

“I’m eager to demonstrate my capabilities to the Newcastle fans, and I aspire to be a part of a winning squad that plays an exhilarating style of football.”

This year has been significant for Badolato, who was pivotal in the Subway Young Socceroos’ pursuit of glory at the 2025 Under-20 AFC Asian Cup.

He was awarded the tournament’s most valuable player as Australia claimed the Asian Cup title, winning on penalties against Saudi Arabia in the final. The Young Socceroos became only the third Australian team to win an Asian Cup, joining the senior Socceroos in 2015 and the Matildas in 2010.

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With his new deal at the Jets, Badolato will further his development under former Socceroo Milligan, who has praised the midfielder as a player who “ticks all the boxes” for the club in both footballing ability and character.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have secured a player of Alex’s calibre,” Milligan stated.

“He possesses immense potential, and I believe he will thrive in our environment.

We aim to be a club that champions young, talented players from the local area while also drawing aspiring talent from across the nation. Alex truly fulfills our vision both as a person and as a player.”