Sydney FC forward Akol Akon has described his record-breaking transfer to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids as a “buzzing” moment, while revealing his determination to make the most of his final season in Sky Blue.
The 17-year-old’s move to the Rapids represents a record transfer for Sydney FC, capping a remarkable rise since breaking into the first team last season.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Akon admitted the magnitude of the opportunity took some time to sink in.
“I’m feeling excited, buzzing, finally got it done, so happy,” Akon said.
“I think they reached out a couple of months ago to my agent, and he let me know. He was more happy than I was, to be honest, because I didn’t really believe it at first.
“Then they rang me, and then I started to believe it. I just couldn’t really explain the feeling.”
Another season in Sky Blue
Despite securing his move to the United States, Akon will remain with Sydney FC for the 2026/27 season before linking up with Colorado.
The teenager was adamant that spending another year in Sydney was important for his development.
“I always wanted another year here for myself to get better as well, more experience as well,” he said.
“It’s an amazing club for them, an amazing club here, so I wanted to stay another year and I had to let them know first.”
Akon has already been able to draw on the experience of another Australian who made the same journey, with former Brisbane Roar player, Lucas Herrington having spent time with Colorado before moving to Hull City in the Premier League.
“Lucas made it really easy for me,” Akon said.
“He told me it’s an amazing club, amazing place, they all treated him so well, and for me that’s the most important thing.
“He helped me a lot with the decision, so big props to him.”
While Herrington has since progressed to the Premier League, Akon is determined to forge his own path.
“I’d wanna do it my way, but if I could follow those steps, that’d be amazing,” he said. “But who knows, that’s just what the future holds.”
“I want to make Sydney proud”
For now, Akon’s attention remains firmly on Sydney FC and helping the Sky Blues achieve success this season.
With his final campaign in Sky Blue ahead, the young attacker has set himself a simple target.
“For me, I just kind of want to make Sydney proud of, firstly, and then go over there and make the fans happy, make the coaches happy, make the players happy,” he said.
Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has also played an important role in Akon’s development, with the youngster revealing the advice he received following confirmation of the transfer.
“PK’s an amazing guy. He helped me a lot as well,” Akon said.
“He told me things like this will happen. It’s not going to be your first transfer, hopefully not your last.
“For the season, he told me nothing’s guaranteed. You have to keep working hard in and out of training, in games especially.”
Akon has already identified the areas he wants to improve before making the move to MLS.
“I told him goals, assists, that’s what I need to do for myself,” he said.
And while the opportunity to move overseas is now secured, Akon is refusing to look too far ahead.
“I can’t really say as of right now because I don’t really know what the future holds,” he said.
“Hopefully playing for them, doing well, doing what I usually do and just making people proud, because that’s the most important thing.”
Inspiring the next generation
Akon’s rise from local football to Sydney FC and now a record-breaking overseas transfer has also given him an opportunity to inspire the next generation.
The teenager says receiving messages from young footballers is one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey.
“As a footballer, I think that’s everyone’s goal – inspire the young kids, especially as an African,” he said.
“I want to inspire everyone, especially the young ones to, who knows, do what I’m doing.
“I had a couple of messages here and there, but it just makes me happy to see them smile.”
For now, Akon has little interest in looking too far beyond the next challenge.
With another season in Sky Blue ahead, the teenager’s focus is on giving everything to Sydney FC before beginning the next chapter of his career in Colorado.
“Hopefully getting back to where we were last season and actually going all the way,” Akon said.
“But yeah, who knows.”
