Football Australia is proud to announce the induction of three extraordinary individuals into the Football Australia Hall of Fame at the CommBank Matildas’ match against New Zealand at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium on Tuesday evening.
One of Australia’s most decorated footballers and the Socceroos’ all-time leading goalscorer, Tim Cahill; a Matildas legend who was a pioneer for Australian women playing abroad turned inspirational mentor to youth development, Sharon Black; and a renowned historian who has dedicated more than four decades to preserving the history of football in Australia, Roy Hay, join an esteemed list of personalities in the Football Australia Hall of Fame.
All three were nominated to be inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame Class of 2025 via a public process, with the nominees then considered by a panel of Australian football historians.
The panel of historians provided their recommendations to the Football Australia Board, with Football Australia’s Directors subsequently ratifying each person’s elevation into the Football Australia Hall of Fame.
Since the inaugural induction of 84 football identities in 1999, more than 250 male and female players, coaches, referees, administrators and media representatives have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to our game.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Chairman, Isaac Anter:
“Inducting Sharon Black, Tim Cahill and Roy Hay into the Football Australia Hall of Fame is a privilege, and a reminder of the extraordinary individuals who have shaped our game. Each of them has contributed in ways that extend far beyond the pitch, strengthening the foundations on which Australian football continues to grow.
“These inductees represent excellence across three pillars of our sport – performance, pioneering progress and the preservation of our history. Their achievements and service have left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of players, coaches, administrators and fans.
“On behalf of the Football Australia Board, I congratulate Sharon, Tim and Roy on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their immense contribution to the Australian football community.”
Quotes attributable to Interim CEO, Heather Garriock:
“Sharon Black, Tim Cahill and Roy Hay each embody the spirit and ambition of Australian football. Their dedication, leadership and impact across different eras and pathways have helped elevate our game to where it stands today.
“As a former teammate of Sharon’s, I have seen first-hand the professionalism and resilience she brought to the Matildas and the generations she continues to influence. Tim’s global impact and passion for the Socceroos have inspired countless young Australians, while Roy’s commitment to preserving our history ensures that the stories of our game will never be forgotten.
“We are proud to welcome all three into the Football Australia Hall of Fame and acknowledge their remarkable contributions to football in this country.”
Football Australia Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees
Sharon Black
Born in Adelaide in 1971, Sharon Black represented Australia over a distinguished 15-year international career and remains one of the Matildas’ most respected pioneers.
Between 1991 and 2002, Black earned 62 full international caps for Australia, scoring 20 goals. She featured prominently at both the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing her technical quality and leadership on the world stage.
A trailblazer for Australian women abroad, Black was one of the first Australians to play in a European club championship final — the 2003 UEFA Women’s Cup Final with Fortuna Hjørring in Denmark. Domestically, she starred for West Torrens Birkalla, Sturt Marion, and later Flinders United, winning multiple league and cup titles, and in 1998 became the inaugural recipient of the Julie Dolan Medal as the best player in Australia’s national competition.
Following her playing career, Black has contributed more than three decades of service to football in South Australia through coaching, youth development, and mentoring. She was inducted into the Football South Australia Hall of Champions in 2012 and continues to be an influential figure in the women’s game.
Sharon Black exemplifies the growth and professionalism of Australian women’s football. She broke new ground for Australian players overseas, achieved sustained excellence at the national level, and has dedicated her life to developing future generations through coaching and mentorship.
Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is one of Australia’s most decorated footballers and an enduring symbol of the Socceroos’ modern era. Born in Sydney in 1979, he enjoyed a 20-year professional career that spanned five countries and included 608 league appearances and 152 goals.
Cahill made his name at Millwall and Everton, where his competitive spirit, aerial ability, and trademark goals made him one of the Premier League’s most admired midfielders. His club career also featured successful spells with the New York Red Bulls, Shanghai Shenhua, and Melbourne City.
For Australia, Cahill represented the Socceroos 108 times between 2004 and 2018, scoring 50 A-international goals — more than any other Australian player. He featured in four FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018) and three AFC Asian Cups, including Australia’s historic AFC Asian Cup triumph in 2015. Cahill also holds the distinction of scoring Australia’s first-ever goal at a Men’s FIFA World Cup, against Japan in 2006, marking a defining moment in the nation’s football history.
Renowned for his professionalism and leadership, Cahill has continued to serve as a global ambassador for Australian football, inspiring generations through his passion for the national team and his commitment to excellence.
Tim Cahill’s international and club career achievements stand among the finest in Australian football history. His consistency, competitiveness, and influence have elevated the visibility of Australian football worldwide and embodied the fighting spirit of the Socceroos.
Roy Hay
Roy Hay has dedicated more than four decades to researching, writing, and preserving the history of football in Australia. Born in Scotland, and a graduate of Glasgow and Oxford Universities, he migrated to Australia in 1985 and became one of the game’s foremost historians.
A prolific author and commentator, Hay has published widely across academic and popular outlets. His major works include A History of Football in Australia (with Bill Murray), When the Socceroos Went to War, and The Story of Football in Victoria, each contributing to a deeper understanding of football’s social and cultural influence.
Hay has served as a lecturer at Deakin University, President of the Australian Society for Sports History, and as a longstanding member of Football Australia’s Hall of Fame and History Committee. His research and advocacy have played a crucial role in ensuring that football’s pioneers, milestones, and heritage are properly documented and celebrated.
Hay’s lifelong commitment to chronicling football’s story has preserved the game’s legacy for future generations. His scholarship and dedication have ensured that football’s place within Australia’s national identity is recognised and respected.
