Aaron Mooy, one of Australia’s most decorated footballers, has called time on his professional career.
The 32-year-old confirmed the news in a statement via Football Australia on Friday.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia,” Mooy said.
“As a young kid, starting out in football you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for.
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“I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.
“I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the comradery amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.
“This has been a hugely difficult decision [to retire], but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.”
“As a group we were able to set a new bar [in Qatar] for the Socceroos and I believe we have the talent coming through to build upon that as work begins towards 2026.”
Mooy has been a key figure for the Socceroos for a decade, amasssing 57 caps for his country.
He featured in two FIFA World Cups in Russia in 2018 and the Socceroos’ successful campaign in Qatar in 2022 where they progressed past the group stage for the first time since 2006.
At club level Mooy featured in the Premier League with stints at Huddersfield Town AFC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC before securing a move to Manchester City.
He surprised many with a switch to China before linking up with Ange Postecoglou at Celtic where he was part of the treble-winning side this season.
Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold paid tribute to Mooy’s stellar career,
“We saw Aaron’s qualities as a player on full display in Qatar, he was tremendous throughout the World Cup and integral to us reaching the Round of 16,” Arnold said.
“I thought the same watching him in [the 2018 World Cup] Russia, he was able to rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stage and show just how talented he truly is.
“A player like Aaron is a joy to coach, an exceptional talent who embodied the spirit of the Socceroos every time he took the pitch.
“Aaron would be the first to say he was never the most vocal of players, but he had his own way of leading the group – through his actions. I think that’s something that a lot of our players will have learnt from over the years, he’s left a huge mark on this team and the individuals within it,” Arnold explained.
Socceroos Captain, Mathew Ryan said Mooy would leave a big hole in the Socceroos dressing room.
“I’ve had the privilege of sharing many dressing rooms with Aaron and I’ve been lucky enough to see him go about his business in club football and for the Socceroos,” Ryan said.
“An amazing player who played such an important role for us over the past decade, he’ll certainly be missed.
“What he’s been able to achieve in his career has helped pave the way for the next generation, and we’re now seeing that through the young, Australian talent playing club football overseas and those entering the national team set up.
“I know he’s not one for the attention an announcement like this brings, but I think it’s important we celebrate what Aaron’s done for the Socceroos and Australian football,” Ryan concluded.”
Asian football writer for The Asian Game Martin Lowe wrote: “One of the more prominent players behind my love of Asian football and writing.
“Aaron Mooy, to me, personified Asia’s ability to produce unknown, written off, top-quality footballers capable of succeeding at the highest level.
“Those early morning wakeups will long stay with me.”
Digital producer at A-Leagues Sacha Pisani posted: “A man of few words but an absolute delight to watch on the football field. The Aussie Iniesta.
“Bows out treble winner with Celtic & one of the finest players to wear a #Socceroos jersey.
“Thanks for the memories, Aaron Mooy.”
Sports writer for The Celtic Way Ryan McGinlay commented: “Sad news about Aaron Mooy but it’s great he’s bowing out on a high. He made a great impact last season.”
