Australian · Adelaide, South Australia · Born 5 February 1976Australian striker and national hero who scored the penalty that sent Australia to their first World Cup in 32 years with a memorable celebration.
John Aloisi was born on 5 February 1976 in Adelaide, South Australia, and began his career with Adelaide City before moving to Europe in 1992, playing for Belgian clubs Standard Liège and Antwerp before a spell in Italy with Cremonese. He went on to play for Portsmouth and Coventry City in England before joining Spain's Osasuna in 2001, becoming the first Australian to play and score in La Liga. Aloisi later played for Alavés, further establishing his reputation as a genuine pioneer for Australian footballers in Europe — over a 20-year career, he became the first Australian to play and score in La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A. He returned to Australia in 2007, playing in the newly formed A-League for Central Coast Mariners, Sydney FC, and Melbourne Heart. Aloisi's defining moment came on 16 November 2005, in a penalty shootout against Uruguay that would decide Australia's place at the 2006 World Cup. With the shootout tied, Aloisi stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sending Australia to its first World Cup in 32 years — a moment later voted among the three greatest in Australian sporting history. Aloisi earned dozens of caps for Australia, playing at the 2006 World Cup and two Confederations Cups, and after retiring moved into management, taking charge of Melbourne Heart, Brisbane Roar, and Western United, whom he led to the 2021-22 A-League title, before taking on international coaching roles in China.
Scoring the decisive penalty that sent Australia to the 2006 World Cup
He scored the decisive penalty against Uruguay in November 2005 that sent Australia to the World Cup for the first time in 32 years, and his joyous sprint celebrating the moment became one of Australian sport's most iconic images.
Did You Know?Lasting Impact
Hero of Australian football for his World Cup qualification penalty
Career Honours
- WC 2006 Qualification
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide City | 1991–1992 | 1 | 0 |
| Standard Liège | 1992–1993 | 0 | 0 |
| Antwerp | 1993–1995 | 35 | 7 |
| Cremonese | 1995–1997 | 48 | 4 |
| Portsmouth | 1997–1998 | 60 | 26 |
| Coventry City | 1998–2001 | 41 | 10 |
| Osasuna | 2001–2005 | 121 | 29 |
| Alavés | 2005–2007 | 58 | 16 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 2007–2008 | 15 | 7 |
| Sydney FC | 2008–2010 | 40 | 12 |
| Melbourne Heart | 2010–2011 | 20 | 8 |
 Australia | — | 55 | 27 |
Australian Athletes