A highly regarded name in Australian football and another product from the 'Golden Generation', Paul Okon is an exciting addition to Tony Popovic's Subway Socceroos coaching staff. Having been capped 28 times in 'A' internationals for the Socceroos between 1991 and 2003, the former defender-turned-midfielder provides a wealth of experience as both a player and manager.
Okon has enjoyed a decorated career as a player, plying his trade in multiple top-flight leagues in Europe while winning silverware along the way before injuries unfortunately curtailed his later years.
He lifted the Belgian Supercup on three occasions, the Belgian Cup twice in 1994/95 and 1995/96 as well as winning the Belgian Pro League in 1995/96. The domestic double in his final season was also capped off by being awarded the Belgian Golden Shoe for best player.
In the summer of 1996, Okon signed for Dino Zoff’s Lazio, becoming one of the first Australians to appear in Italy’s top-flight, considered by many to be the best league in the world at the time. His four years on the peninsula, three with Lazio and one on loan at Fiorentina was largely hampered by injuries but still got to the share the field with some world-class players.
A move to England followed in 2000 with stints at Middlesbrough, Watford and Leeds United. After retiring in 2007, Okon ventured into coaching which included taking charge of the Australia U20s side for four years and earning qualification to the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup and the boss of the Central Coast Mariners for almost two seasons. Most recently, Okon was an assistant coach at Club Brugge.
Following his retirement in 2007, Okon transitioned into coaching, helping nurture the next generation of Australian talent and was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2009.
