After more than a decade overseas, CommBank Socceroos forward Awer Mabil is returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League, joining Melbourne City from LaLiga 2 side CD Castellon.
The 30-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract until June 2029 and links up with fellow Socceroos teammates in Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie, who were a part of the squad at FIFA World Cup™ 2026.
In 18 months with Castellon, Mabil scored three goals and registered 12 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
Mabil started his career with Adelaide United and now is back in the competition which launched his professional footballing journey.
After departing the Reds in 2015, Mabil plied his trade in the top divisions of Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, Czechia, and Switzerland, accumulated more than 300 games, includes appearances in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and would also represent the Socceroos.
Upon putting pen-to-paper on his deal with City, Mabil said in a club statement: “After spending more than a decade playing in Europe, I’m really excited to be coming home to Australia and beginning this new journey with Melbourne City.
“Following Australian football from afar in recent years, it’s impossible not to be impressed by what Melbourne City has built. The ambition, the standards and the success the Club has achieved made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, getting to work with Aurelio and all of the coaching staff, and doing everything I can to help bring more success to the Club and our fans.”
The speedster, who has won 39 caps for Australia since his October 2018 debut, was recalled to the national team by Tony Popovic ahead of the March international window after almost two years away.
He ultimately impressed in the lead up matches, which included scoring his first international goal in three years against Curaçao, to subsequently secure selection to his second FIFA World Cup™.
Mabil made the solitary appearance at the tournament, playing the final 30 minutes against Egypt while converting his penalty in the shootout defeat.