Debut: 14/11/12 against Korea Republic
Socceroos Cap Number: 550
Appearances (goals): 80 (14)
Major tournaments: FIFA World Cup 2014, 2018, 2022, AFC Asian Cup 2015, 2019
Current Club: Melbourne City
Junior Club: Brimbank Stallions (Football VIC)
Mathew Leckie comes into his fourth World Cup with a well-earned reputation that can be summed up in one word: warrior.
Back in December, it seemed like his World Cup dream was over after requiring surgery on a troublesome hip. He only managed to get on the park for Melbourne City six times. However, he did enough to impress Head Coach Tony Popovic – who called him the “best player on the park” in the elimination final against Auckland FC – to earn his place in the final 26.
Leckie has been a part of iconic Socceroos moments for over a decade since debuting in 2012. He started in the AFC Asian Cup 2015™ final, and was a key part of three World Cups. Nothing exemplified the importance of Leckie to the team more, however, than the goal that he scored against Denmark at Qatar 2022. His first World Cup goal sealed the team’s qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament.
His 80 caps of experience will be essential in the big moments and he remains someone who could make a big impact with the ball at his feet.
