Melbourne City FC has secured one of Australian football’s biggest signings in recent years, with experienced Socceroo Awer Mabil returning home after more than a decade in Europe to join the Club on a three-year deal.
Mabil arrives at City following a permanent transfer from Spanish side CD Castellón, bringing extensive experience from more than 300 appearances across Europe, including in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
It was during a seven-year spell with Danish powerhouse FC Midtjylland that Mabil established himself as one of Australia’s most exciting attacking players. Across 146 appearances in all competitions, he contributed 20 goals and 27 assists while helping the Club lift three major trophies.
His performances in Europe earned him a Socceroos debut in 2018, with Mabil since going on to make 39 appearances for Australia, scoring 10 goals and representing his country at consecutive FIFA World Cups.
Returning to the A-League for the first time in more than a decade, Mabil now joins fellow Socceroos Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie at Melbourne City, bringing elite experience and a proven winning mentality to Aurelio Vidmar’s squad.
Capable of playing on either wing, Mabil has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting attacking players, renowned for his pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
He will link up with his new teammates in the coming days as City continues preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said attracting a player of Mabil’s calibre reflected both the ambition and environment the Club has built.
“Awer is one of Australia’s most accomplished footballers and we’re incredibly excited to welcome him to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“To attract a player of his calibre is a significant moment for our Club and reflects the environment, culture and football program we’ve built over a number of years.
“Awer’s quality on the pitch speaks for itself, but just as importantly he’s an outstanding person who has consistently made a positive impact away from football through his work in the community. He’s exactly the type of person we want representing Melbourne City.
“We’re delighted to have him join the Club and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll have both on and off the pitch over the coming years.”
Mabil said Melbourne City was the right place for the next chapter of his career.
“After spending more than a decade playing in Europe, I’m really excited to be coming home to Australia and beginning this new journey with Melbourne City,” Mabil said.
“Following Australian football from afar in recent years, it’s impossible not to be impressed by what Melbourne City has built.
“The ambition, the standards and the success the Club has achieved made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, getting to work with Aurelio and all of the coaching staff, and doing everything I can to help bring more success to the Club and our fans.”
