The Premier League has long provided the stage for some of Australian football’s greatest names, and now a new generation is preparing to write its own chapter.
With the new season just days away, 18-year-old Socceroos defender Lucas Herrington is preparing for life in England’s top flight after completing a move to newly-promoted Hull City, becoming the latest Australian to feature in the world’s most-watched domestic competition.
But what happened to the Aussies who came before him?
Some have remained firmly entrenched in football, becoming national team coaches, club bosses, technical directors, agents and television pundits.
For others, life after the Premier League has taken them down some far more unexpected paths.
Among them is an Aussie great who now runs a café in Croatia, another who has built a property portfolio, a former Socceroo who became a partner at a major law firm and another who is now the CEO of an Italian football club.
There’s also a former Premier League goalkeeper who describes himself as a “full-time dad” and “part-time surf/golfer”, while others have ventured into everything from football academies and international recruitment to running a luxury retreat.
And then there are those who have disappeared from the football spotlight.
As Herrington prepares to begin his Premier League journey, Fox Sports Australia looks back at the Australians who came before him and the fascinating, successful and sometimes bizarre places they have ended up.
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MARK SCHWARZER – 514 MATCHES
No Australian has played more Premier League football than Mark Schwarzer, with the legendary goalkeeper making a remarkable 514 appearances across spells with Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester City.
Schwarzer spent the majority of his English career at Middlesbrough, making 332 Premier League appearances before adding another 172 at Fulham and later providing experienced cover at Chelsea and Leicester.
His longevity remains extraordinary, with Schwarzer playing across 19 Premier League seasons and recording more than 150 clean sheets in the competition.
Since retiring, the former Socceroos No.1 has remained closely connected to the Premier League through the media.
Now 53, Schwarzer has established himself as a prominent pundit and commentator, including appearances on the BBC’s Match of the Day
LUCAS NEILL – 279 MATCHES
Former Socceroos captain Lucas Neill was an Australian Premier League mainstay, making 279 appearances across nine seasons with Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Everton.
Neill spent the bulk of his time at Blackburn before joining West Ham in 2007, where he went on to captain the club, before a brief stint alongside Tim Cahill at Everton.
Life after football proved challenging, with Neill filing for bankruptcy in 2016 before later being found not guilty of allegations he deliberately hid money from bankruptcy proceedings.
Now 48, Neill lives in northern England, where he coaches women and girls at a local club, while his teenage son Marcus is progressing through Sunderland’s academy system.
HARRY KEWELL – 274 MATCHES
Harry Kewell remains one of Australia’s greatest Premier League exports, making 274 appearances across spells with Leeds United and Liverpool.
Kewell starred for a Leeds side that challenged near the top of the Premier League before earning a major move to Liverpool in 2003, where he spent five seasons and was part of the famous 2005 Champions League-winning squad.
Since retiring, Kewell has built an extensive coaching career, becoming the first Australian to manage a professional English club when he took charge of Crawley Town in 2017.
After further spells in England, he joined Ange Postecoglou’s staff at Celtic before taking charge of Yokohama F. Marinos and guiding them to the 2024 AFC Champions League final.
Now 47, Kewell is head coach of Hanoi FC in Vietnam and returned to Australia as part of SBS’ 2026 World Cup coverage.
BRETT EMERTON – 247 MATCHES
Brett Emerton became a Premier League mainstay with Blackburn Rovers, making 247 appearances across eight seasons after joining from Feyenoord in 2003.
The versatile Socceroo became a key figure at Ewood Park before returning home to finish his career with Sydney FC in 2011.
Now 47, Emerton remains involved in Australian football, recently scouting emerging talent for Football Australia while also coaching at junior club Macarthur Rams.
Away from the game, the 95-cap Socceroo manages a portfolio of commercial and residential properties.
MARK VIDUKA – 240 MATCHES
Mark Viduka was one of Australia’s most prolific Premier League forwards, making 240 appearances across spells with Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.
The former Socceroos captain became a cult figure at Leeds before continuing his career in England’s north-east, eventually retiring in 2009.
Now 50, Viduka has swapped scoring goals for serving coffee, living in Zagreb, Croatia, where he runs his own cafe, Non Plus Ultra, and has largely stepped away from football.
Viduka has embraced a quieter life, spending time with his family and even playing guitar alongside his sons.
TIM CAHILL – 226 MATCHES
Tim Cahill became one of Australia’s greatest Premier League players, making 226 appearances for Everton and scoring 56 goals during eight memorable seasons at Goodison Park.
The Socceroos great became a fan favourite after joining from Millwall in 2004, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous goalscoring midfielders.
Now 46, Cahill remains heavily involved in football as technical director of the Qatar Football Association and chief sports officer at Aspire Academy, alongside several advisory roles across the global game.
He is also an academic board member and ambassador for the FIFA Diploma in Club Management.
MARK BOSNICH – 206 MATCHES
Mark Bosnich made 206 Premier League appearances across spells with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea, establishing himself as one of Australia’s most prominent goalkeepers in England.
The former Socceroo enjoyed the bulk of his success at Villa before returning to Manchester United in 1999, where he was part of a Premier League-winning squad.
Since retiring, Bosnich has become one of Australian football’s most recognisable media personalities, spending more than a decade as a pundit and analyst.
Now 54, he is part of Stan Sport’s football coverage, including its UEFA Champions League broadcasts.
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STAN LAZARIDIS – 166 MATCHES
Stan Lazaridis made 166 Premier League appearances across spells with West Ham and Birmingham City, spending almost a decade in English football.
The former Socceroos winger joined West Ham in 1995 before moving to Birmingham, where he helped the club establish itself in the Premier League following promotion in 2002.
Now 53, Lazaridis remains heavily involved in Australian football as football director at Perth Glory, overseeing areas including recruitment, squad building and football strategy.
MATHEW RYAN – 124 MATCHES
Mat Ryan made 124 Premier League appearances across spells with Brighton and Arsenal, spending the bulk of his time as the Seagulls’ first-choice goalkeeper.
The Socceroos veteran joined Brighton in 2017 and made more than 100 top-flight appearances before a brief loan spell with Arsenal in 2021.
Unlike most on this list, Ryan is still playing professionally. Now 34, he is continuing his career in Spain with Levante after a journey that has taken him across several of Europe’s major leagues.
AARON MOOY – 96 MATCHES
Aaron Mooy made 96 Premier League appearances across spells with Huddersfield Town and Brighton, having first helped the Terriers secure promotion to the top flight.
The former Socceroos midfielder retired from professional football in 2023 after finishing his career with Celtic, having earned 57 caps for Australia and featured at two World Cups.
Since retirement, Mooy has reportedly remained involved in the game at grassroots level, with links to the Grasshopper Soccer program in Australia, which introduces young children to football.
MILE JEDINAK – 90 MATCHES
Mile Jedinak became a cult figure at Crystal Palace, making 90 Premier League appearances for the Eagles after helping captain the club to promotion from the Championship in 2013.
The former Socceroos skipper spent five years at Palace and also led the club to the 2016 FA Cup final before moving to Aston Villa, where he eventually finished his playing career.
Since retiring, Jedinak has moved into coaching and worked under Ange Postecoglou as an assistant at both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
The 42-year-old is now back with the national team as an assistant coach under Tony Popovic, having joined the Socceroos set-up in January before being part of Australia’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
JOHN FILAN – 74 MATCHES
John Filan featured in the Premier League across spells with Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic before bringing his playing career to an end in 2007.
The former Australian goalkeeper subsequently moved into coaching, including roles with Sydney FC and Blackburn’s youth set-up before a brief stint as assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town in 2018.
Filan has remained involved in goalkeeper coaching and holds UEFA coaching qualifications.
DANNY TIATTO – 51 MATCHES
Danny Tiatto made 51 Premier League appearances for Manchester City across three seasons in the English top flight, scoring twice and establishing himself as a fan favourite through his aggressive, hard-working style.
The former Socceroo spent six years with City before joining Leicester City in 2004, later returning to Australia with Brisbane Roar and finishing his playing career with several clubs in Victoria.
Tiatto has largely remained out of the public spotlight since hanging up the boots, with no widely reported current coaching or professional football role.
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RICHARD GARCIA – 49 MATCHES
Richard Garcia made 49 Premier League appearances, primarily during his time with Hull City after helping the club earn promotion to the top flight in 2008.
The former Socceroo returned to Australia later in his career before moving into coaching, eventually taking charge of Perth Glory from 2020 to 2022.
Garcia has since worked extensively within Australia’s national youth set-up, including as an assistant with the U23s and Young Socceroos. More recently, he returned to his junior club Olympic Kingsway, initially as technical director before stepping in as interim head coach during the 2026 NPL WA season.
JOSIP SKOKO – 45 MATCHES
Josip Skoko made 45 Premier League appearances during his time with Wigan Athletic, becoming part of the Latics side during their early years in the top flight.
The former Socceroos midfielder later returned to Australia before eventually settling primarily in Split, Croatia.
Now 50, Skoko remains involved in football as a mentor and pundit, while his sons Noa and Luka are both pursuing professional careers.
BRAD JONES – 45 MATCHES
Brad Jones made 45 Premier League appearances across spells with Middlesbrough and Liverpool, spending six years at Anfield after joining the Reds in 2010.
The former Socceroos goalkeeper has since moved into coaching and holds UEFA coaching qualifications, with his most recent role coming as part of Perth Glory’s women’s set-up.
Jones recently returned to Europe to continue his coaching development in Wales, while also making the trip to Anfield for Liverpool’s final game of the season.
PAUL OKON – 43 MATCHES
Paul Okon made 43 Premier League appearances across spells with Middlesbrough and Leeds United, adding English top-flight football to a career that also took him across Italy and Belgium.
The former Socceroos captain has since moved into coaching and is now an assistant coach with the Socceroos under Tony Popovic.
Okon was part of Australia’s coaching staff during its memorable run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where there was also a special family connection — his son, Paul Okon-Engstler, was part of the Socceroos squad.
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JOHN ALOISI – 42 MATCHES
John Aloisi made 42 Premier League appearances with Coventry City, scoring 10 goals during his time in the English top flight.
The Socceroos great later became a national hero with his decisive penalty against Uruguay in 2005 before moving into coaching following his retirement.
Now 50, Aloisi is head coach of Chengdu Rongcheng in the Chinese Super League, with his side sitting top of the competition at the halfway point of the season.
He previously coached Melbourne Heart, Brisbane Roar and Western United, guiding the latter to the 2022 A-League championship.
He remained with Western United until the club’s financial troubles deepened, before making the move to China in January and beginning the latest chapter of his coaching career.
VINCE GRELLA – 38 MATCHES
Vince Grella made 38 Premier League appearances during his spell with Blackburn Rovers after joining the club from Torino in 2008.
Injuries limited the Socceroos midfielder’s impact in England, having previously spent a decade playing in Italy before eventually returning to Australia.
Now 46, Grella is back in Italy as CEO and vice-president of Catania FC, having taken up the roles following the club’s purchase by Australian owners Pelligra Group.
He also maintains strong ties to Australian football as a director of Perth Glory.
SASA ILIC – 37 MATCHES
Sasa Ilic made 37 Premier League appearances as a goalkeeper for Charlton Athletic, featuring during the club’s first spell in the competition.
Since retiring, the former Australia international has combined football with business, including more than a decade as owner and operator of Monte Bay Retreat.
Ilic also remains involved in the game as director of operations at the Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy, and recently added a new role as head of international business development at M.I.T Sports.
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CHRIS HERD – 36 MATCHES
Chris Herd made 36 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa between 2010 and 2014, scoring once after joining the club’s academy as a teenager.
The versatile defender and midfielder earned three Socceroos caps and was selected in Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup squad, only for an Achilles injury to rule him out of the tournament.
Herd’s career later took him across England, Australia and Asia, with spells at Western Sydney Wanderers, Chennaiyin and Sheikh Russel before his final recorded playing stint with Malaysian club Terengganu in 2021.
Now 37, Herd has largely remained out of the public spotlight since his playing career ended, with no confirmed coaching or professional football role emerging in recent years.
ADAM FEDERICI – 31 MATCHES
Adam Federici made 31 Premier League appearances across spells with Reading and Bournemouth, having spent the majority of his career in English football.
The former Socceroos goalkeeper retired in 2021 following a final stint with Macarthur FC in the A-League.
Now 41, Federici has stepped away from professional football and lives on the NSW South Coast, describing himself on social media as a “full-time dad” and “part-time surf/golfer”.
BRETT HOLMAN – 27 GAMES
Brett Holman made 27 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa during the 2012-13 season, part of a decorated career that also saw him earn 63 caps for the Socceroos and score twice at the 2010 World Cup.
After retiring from professional football in 2019, Holman launched his own football academy on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast before later closing the program after relocating with his family to Spain.
Holman has since kept a relatively low profile, with his most recent publicly documented plans involving exploring opportunities to remain involved in football in Europe.
CRAIG MOORE – 25 MATCHES
Craig Moore made 25 Premier League appearances with Newcastle United after joining the club in 2005, adding a stint in England’s top flight to a career that included more than a decade with Rangers.
The former Socceroos defender moved into football administration after retiring, including a spell as Brisbane Roar’s football operations manager.
Now 50, Moore is primarily based in the UK and works as a FIFA-licensed football agent, representing Australian and Scottish players and helping facilitate transfers and scouting opportunities.
RICHARD JOHNSON – 23 MATCHES
Richard Johnson made 23 Premier League appearances with Watford, having spent the bulk of his playing career with the Hornets across more than a decade.
Since retiring, the former Australian midfielder has moved into the legal and business world and is now a partner at law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie.
Johnson has also maintained a connection to football as a Judicial Body Panel member with Football West.
TONY POPOVIC – 23 MATCHES
Tony Popovic made 23 Premier League appearances with Crystal Palace during the 2004/05 season, part of a five-year spell with the London club.
The former Socceroos defender has since built an extensive coaching career, highlighted by leading Western Sydney Wanderers to the AFC Champions League title in 2014.
After further coaching roles in Australia and overseas, Popovic was appointed Socceroos boss in 2024 and has since guided Australia to the 2026 World Cup.
LUKE WILKSHIRE – 22 MATCHES
Luke Wilkshire made 22 Premier League appearances with Middlesbrough after coming through the club’s youth system, before building a career across England, the Netherlands and Russia.
The former Socceroos defender has remained heavily involved in football since retiring, moving into coaching and spending time within Australia’s national-team set-up.
Now 44, Wilkshire is head coach of Australian Championship side Wollongong Wolves, while also running his own football academy.
He also featured as a co-commentator on SBS’ coverage of the 2026 World Cup.
HAYDEN FOXE – 21 MATCHES
Hayden Foxe made 21 Premier League appearances with Portsmouth, having helped the club earn promotion to the top flight before featuring during the 2003/04 season.
The former Socceroos defender has since built an extensive coaching career, including several roles across the A-League.
Foxe left Western United in 2024 before joining the Socceroos coaching staff under Tony Popovic, where he has remained part of the national set-up.
He was also part of Australia’s coaching staff for its run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CAMERON BURGESS – 18 MATCHES
Cameron Burgess made 18 Premier League appearances with Ipswich Town, having helped the club secure promotion to the top flight in 2024.
The Socceroos centre-back later continued his career in England and is still playing professionally at 30.
Burgess is now with Swansea City in the Championship, remaining a regular presence in the second tier.
NEIL KILKENNY – 18 MATCHES
Neil Kilkenny made 18 Premier League appearances with Birmingham City after coming through Arsenal’s academy, before building a lengthy career across England and Australia.
The former Socceroos midfielder retired from professional football in 2024 and has since moved into player development.
Now 40, Kilkenny is working with Football West as a football development officer, including heading up its academy program and helping develop Western Australia’s next generation of players.
ADEM PORIC – 13 MATCHES
Adem Poric made 13 Premier League appearances with Sheffield Wednesday during the early years of the competition, having spent five seasons with the English club.
The former Australian midfielder later moved into coaching following his playing career.
Poric is now head coach of Gold Coast Knights, having taken charge of the Queensland club in 2021.
HARRY SOUTTAR – 12 MATCHES
Harry Souttar made 12 Premier League appearances for Leicester City after joining the Foxes from Stoke City in January 2023.
The Socceroos centre-back remained with Leicester following their relegation before later spending time on loan at Sheffield United.
Now 27, Souttar is still contracted to Leicester City and playing in League One, as he continues his career in English football.
MILE STERJOVSKI – 12 MATCHES
Mile Sterjovski made 12 Premier League appearances with Derby County during the club’s 2007/08 campaign, having arrived in England following a successful spell in Switzerland.
The former Socceroos forward later returned to Australia before moving into coaching, eventually taking charge of Macarthur FC after previously leading the club’s academy.
Sterjovski oversaw 120 matches across all competitions and guided the Bulls to Australia Cup glory during his time in charge.
Now 47, Sterjovski is searching for his next opportunity after mutually agreeing to leave Macarthur ahead of the 2026/27 A-League season, ending a six-year association with the club.
TONY VIDMAR – 12 MATCHES
Tony Vidmar made 12 Premier League appearances with Middlesbrough during the 2002/03 season, part of a lengthy career that also included successful spells in Scotland and the Netherlands.
The former Socceroos defender has since built an extensive coaching career and most recently led Australia’s under-23 side from 2022 to 2026.
Vidmar has now moved to China, where he works as an assistant coach with Shanghai Port FC.
ANDY PETTERSON – 11 MATCHES
Andy Petterson made 11 Premier League appearances with Charlton Athletic, part of a lengthy career in English football that also included spells with Ipswich Town and Portsmouth.
The former Australian goalkeeper has remained involved in the game since retiring, moving into coaching and the business side of football.
Petterson is now executive director at GMI Sports International, having previously worked in a number of goalkeeping coaching roles.
MASSIMO LUONGO – 11 MATCHES
Massimo Luongo made 11 Premier League appearances with Ipswich Town after helping the club complete a remarkable rise from League One to the top flight.
The Socceroos midfielder has remained in English football and continues to play professionally.
Now 33, Luongo is with Millwall in the Championship, extending an English career that has also included spells with QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.
BRAD SMITH – 10 MATCHES
Brad Smith made 10 Premier League appearances, split evenly between boyhood club Liverpool and Bournemouth, before continuing his career in Major League Soccer.
The former Socceroos defender went on to play for Seattle Sounders, D.C. United and Houston Dynamo before joining FC Cincinnati for the 2025 season. Cincinnati declined his option for 2026 in November, leaving the 32-year-old as a free agent.
While there has been no confirmed announcement of Smith joining another club, he was spotted supporting the Socceroos during their 2026 World Cup campaign.
DAVID CARNEY – 10 MATCHES
David Carney made 10 Premier League appearances during the 2010-11 season with Blackpool, part of a well-travelled career that included spells across Australia, England, the Netherlands, Spain, Uzbekistan and the United States.
The 48-cap Socceroo has since moved into coaching and is currently working with League Two side Swindon Town, where he was promoted to the first-team coaching staff in June 2026 after initially joining the club as International Pathways Manager and Academy Recruitment and Loans Manager.