Australia have been a powerhouse in multiple sports across many generations and football is not an exception. Over the decades, a lot of Australians moved across the continent and with their skill, consistency and leadership, they played a pivotal part in the success of their teams. In this article, we try our best to rank the 15 best Australian footballers in the Premier League, looking back and celebrating their achievements.
Ranking Factors
- Performances – Their performances for the club during their tenure.
- Longevity – How long they have represented the club.
- Impact and importance to the squad – How important their role was and how much positive impact they’ve had.
15 Best Australian Players to play in the Premier League from past to present
| Rank | Player | Club | Position | Tenure |
| 1 | Tim Cahill | Everton | Centreback | 2004 – 2012 |
| 2 | Mark Schwarzer | Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, Leicester City | Goalkeeper | 1996 – 2017 |
| 3 | Harry Kewell | Leeds United, Liverpool | Midfielder | 1995-2008 |
| 4 | Lucas Neill | Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United | Centreback | 2001 – 2009 |
| 5 | Mark Viduka | Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United | Forward | 2000 – 2009 |
| 6 | Brett Emerton | Blackburn Rovers | Midfielder | 2003 – 2012 |
| 7 | Mile Jedinak | Crystal Palace | Centreback | 2013 – 2017, 2019 – 2020 |
| 8 | Robbie Slater | Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Southampton | Midfielder | 1994 – 1998 |
| 9 | Aaron Mooy | Huddersfield Town, Brighton and Hove Albion | Midfielder | 2016-2021 |
| 10 | Matt Ryan | Brighton and Hove Albion, Arsenal | Goalkeeper | 2017 – 2022 |
| 11 | Stan Lazaridis | West Ham United, Birmingham City | Midfielder | 1995 – 2006 |
| 12 | Danny Tiatto | Manchester City | Midfielder | 2000 – 2004 |
| 13 | John Aloisi | Coventry City | Forward | 1998 – 2001 |
| 14 | Harry Souttar | Stoke City, Leicester City | Centreback | 2017 -2018; 2022-2023; 2024 -2025 |
| 15 | Massimo Luongo | Ipswich Town | Midfielder | 2024 – present |
15. Massimo Luongo
Luongo has spent a lot of time in English football. He was a part of Tottenham’s academy in 2010 and played for them regularly at the under-18 level. He moved through clubs and after settling at Ipswich town, he played a good role in helping Ipswich reach back to the Premier League after 22 long years.
| Tenure | 2024 – present |
| Clubs | Ipswich Town |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Goals | 0 |
14. Harry Souttar
Despite being part of the Stoke City squad in the 2017-18 season, Souttar did not get a chance to play. But the world took notice of his capability when he impressed everyone during the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Australia went on a dream run to the knockouts. This helped him get a chance at Leicester City who were looking to stay afloat in the Premier League. He managed to put in some decent performances.
| Tenure | 2017 -2018; 2022-2023; 2024 -2025 |
| Clubs | Leicester City |
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 0 |
13. John Aliosi
Aliosi played for Coventry City, a side verging on the brink of relegation throughout his tenure. While he played a good part in keeping the team afloat, the moment finally came in 2001 after which he left the club. He will be fondly remembered for his brace in City’s 4-1 win over midlands rivals Aston Villa in 1999.
| Tenure | 1998 – 2001 |
| Clubs | Coventry City |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 10 |
12. Danny Tiatto
When Tiatto moved to Manchester City, a club that did not have the stature it currently has, he had a shaky start because of indiscipline. But, he went on to be a main part of the side that was struggling to stay up in the league. He also rightfully won Manchester City’s Player of the Year award for a season.
| Tenure | 2000 – 2004 |
| Clubs | Manchester City |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 2 |
11. Stan Lazaridis
A true gentleman of the game and a fantastic ambassador for Australia on the international football stage throughout his career, Lazaridis moved to England to join West Ham in 1995. In 1999 Stan moved to Birmingham City where he became a fan favourite during his tenure for the Blues.
| Tenure | 1995 – 2006 |
| Clubs | West Ham United, Birmingham City |
| Appearances | 166 |
| Goals | 7 |
10. Matthew Ryan
A modern Australian goalkeeping legend, Ryan became a mainstay ever since joining Brighton and Hove Albion and played a big part in keeping the club safe from relegation during its initial seasons after promotion. He had a brief loan stint then at Arsenal where he was the backup to the first choice goal-keeper.
| Tenure | 2017 – 2022 |
| Clubs | Brighton and Hove Albion, Arsenal |
| Appearances | 124 |
| Clean sheets | 28 |
Also Read: 15 Best Brazilian Premier League Players in History
9. Aaron Mooy
Mooy was known for scoring some spectacular goals. He was a good team player at Huddersfield and then Brighton. His goal against Manchester United in 2017 helping Huddersfield Town win against the giants will always be memorable.
| Tenure | 2016-2021 |
| Clubs | Huddersfield Town, Brighton and Hove Albion |
| Appearances | 96 |
| Goals | 9 |
8. Robbie Slater
He had the ability, determination and an extensive top-flight European career that many Australian footballers can only dream of. He will always be a part of the history books as the first ever Australian to win the Premier League at Blackburn Rovers managed by Kenny Dalglish.
| Tenure | 1994 – 1998 |
| Clubs | Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Southampton |
| Appearances | 84 |
| Goals | 4 |
7. Mile Jedinak
An icon at Selhurst Park, Jedinak played a massive role in the defense to keep Palace up during their inital seasons after getting promoted. He then later moved to Aston Villa, but he remained an unused substitute. He is currently working in the Premier League as an assistant coach to another Australian manager, Ange Postecoglou.
| Tenure | 2013 – 2017, 2019 – 2020 |
| Clubs | Crystal Palace, Aston Villa |
| Appearances | 90 |
| Goals | 6 |
6. Brett Emerton
Although not a proficient goal scorer, Emerton was noted for both his speed and creativity on the ball, making his name as an industrious winger. He initially moved to the Eredivisie to play for the giants Feyenoord. His performances were excellent and he was tracked by a number of high-profile teams – including Manchester United and Arsenal – during his time at Feyenoord, but signed for Blackburn in 2003, remaining there for nine years in multiple squad roles.
| Tenure | 2003 – 2012 |
| Clubs | Blackburn Rovers |
| Appearances | 246 |
| Goals | 13 |
5. Mark Viduka
A Barclays icon, Viduka was amazing in his pomp – superb technique, powerful and strong, hold-up and link up play was on point, and one of the very best headers in the professional game. In his days, he was simply unstoppable. He was not the fastest, but in his prime, his athleticism wasn’t in question. Some of his diving headers were incredible.
| Tenure | 2000 – 2009 |
| Clubs | Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United |
| Appearances | 240 |
| Goals | 92 |
4. Lucas Neill
Neill spent over five years in East Lancashire and established himself as a highly-respected defender in the Premier League. He was versatile, being able to play as both centreback and fullback. He was a good leader and captained Blackburn multiple times and was also always well-spoken to the media.
| Tenure | 2001 – 2009 |
| Clubs | Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United |
| Appearances | 279 |
| Goals | 6 |
3. Harry Kewell
Nicknamed “Kewell the Jewel,” Harry Kewell was one of a kind player with a wand of a left foot. He was known to glide past defenders with his exceptional dribbling skills and bursts of pace, which dazzled fans and Kewell became the talk of the town. He spent the majority of his career at Leeds before moving to Liverpool. His flair and creativity made him one of the most exciting players of the Premier League era.
| Tenure | 1995-2008 |
| Clubs | Leeds United, Liverpool |
| Appearances | 274 |
| Goals | 57 |
Also Read: Ranking The 15 Best African Players to Play for Arsenal – 2024
2. Mark Schwarzer
Schwarzer holds the record for the most appearances for an Australian in the Premier League ever (514 appearances) He started his Premier League journey at Middlesborough and was an important part of the side for a better part of a decade. He moved to Fulham, and Chelsea and then was part of the incredible Leicester City squad who won the Premier League.
| Tenure | 1996-2017 |
| Clubs | Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, Leicester City |
| Appearances | 514 |
| Cleansheets | 152 |
1. Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is arguably the best player ever to play for Australia. A defender who is known for his attacking prowess, Cahill is the modern-day Goodison hero. Despite not being tall, he was known for his bullet headers. It was always endearing to see a 5’10” CB bullying defenders taller than him to score goals. Almost every single one of his goals was highlight-reel-worthy. His ability to pull one back with his headers made him one of the most lovable players at Goodison Park.
| Tenure | 2004 – 2012 |
| Clubs | Everton |
| Appearances | 226 |
| Goals | 56 |
How many Australian footballers are in the Premier League in 2024?
5 Australian footballers are in the Premier League in 2024.
Who was the first Australian to play in the Premier League?
Mark Schwarzer was the first Australian to play in the Premier League.
Who was the first Australian player to win the Premier League?
Robbie Slater was the first Australian player to win the Premier League.
Have any Australians played for Manchester United?
Yes, Mark Bosnich was the only Australian who played for Manchester United.