Rising Star at 16: Composed Young Talent Poised for Socceroos Debut and A-League Success

1 October 2018: Indonesian players collapse on the ground at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil while Australians celebrate joyfully.

The Joeys had just achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-16 Championship in Malaysia. This Australian team, filled with young talent dreaming of donning the Socceroos jersey in the future, had progressed to the semi-finals, setting the stage for an exciting encounter with Japan.

The jubilant Joeys quickly gathered in groups, surrounded by the fallen Indonesian players, who were experiencing the agony of defeat and the emotional toll of an international tournament exit for perhaps the first time.

Yet one Australian player chose to hold off on joining in the celebrations until he had paid his respects to the defeated team. He assisted some players to their feet and offered comfort to others.

That player was Ryan Teague, a 16-year-old budding star.

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At that time, Teague was just 16, rising through the ranks of Sydney FC’s academy as a promising talent for the future.

In that defining moment of sportsmanship, Teague revealed his true character. Therefore, it came as no surprise that nearly seven years later, the now 23-year-old was referred to as a “level-headed young man” by Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic shortly after his debut with the senior team.

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Teague earned his cap as #649 for the Subway Socceroos during Australia’s 2-0 victory over China PR in Hangzhou on Tuesday evening; starting in midfield, Teague showcased his talent with a confident 77-minute performance in a vital 2026 World Cup qualifier played before a crowd of over 60,000.

This young midfielder received his first call-up to the Socceroos and made his international debut during the current international window, following a stellar string of performances for Melbourne Victory in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Teague joined Victory last season, where he worked under Popovic, and the former Victory head coach’s elevation to the national team role has facilitated the impressive, composed midfielder’s entry into the Socceroos setup.

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A player who radiates class both on and off the pitch, Teague’s performance against China PR will undoubtedly enhance his chances of being recalled for the June international window and two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

“What a fantastic way to kick things off, right?” Popovic remarked after Teague’s impressive debut.

“When you make your debut and have a couple of great touches right off the bat, it really helps settle those nerves.

“He’s a very steady young man. I know him well, and he certainly brought some excellent balance to our midfield, aided by the team’s strong start.”

“We weren’t under significant pressure… the team contributed to him settling into the game well, and I believed he played a pivotal role.”

Following the Socceroos’ two World Cup qualifying victories over Indonesia and China PR, Teague will return to Victory to prepare for a highly anticipated Original Rivalry clash against Adelaide United on Saturday night.