Sydney FC have continued to build their roster of impressive young players with the signing of Sky Blue Academy attacking midfielder Tiago Quintal on a three-year professional contract.
Just shy of 18, the 17 year-old has been involved with Sydney FC’s Academy since the age of 11, and will remain with the club until the completion of the 2026-2027 season.
Quintal, who has been a fan of Sydney FC from a young age, is looking forward to being a part of the Sky Blue A-League squad for the next three seasons.
“It is a dream and something I have been working towards since I was 11 years old on joining the Academy,” he said.
“I want to play as much as I can, get as much game time and showcase my ability on the field and help the team win and perform.”
Quintal has been a regular train-on with the A-League Men’s squad during the current season, appearing on the bench once against Brisbane Roar.
“The step up so far has been good,” he continued. “Being able to learn from players in my position who are experienced such as Joe Lolley and Anthony Caceres is going to help me with my development.”
Quintal sees himself as a number 10 and is known for his creativity and playmaking ability on the field. The young prospect also has talents for dribbling and one on one contests.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay is confident that this addition to the Sky Blue squad will improve their talent filled roster.
“Tiago is a creative player. We think he is going to be one of those special players that can play between the lines. He is a lefty and can play as a number nine or a number 10.
“He is very good in one v one situations and can score goals. For us, he is another quality player coming through the academy,” he said.
Hailing from Baulkham Hills, with Portuguese and Italian parentage, he previously represented Blacktown City and Southern Districts prior to joining the Sky Blues and has also represented Australia in the Under 17’s (Joeys).
“I played in the national team for Joey’s last year. This past year has been where I have had to work the hardest to reach this level.
“It was an amazing experience being on the bench [for ALM vs Brisbane] and watching the game up close and being around The Cove. It was like a dream come true.”
Technical Director – Youth, Kelly Cross believes he has the qualities to become a successful A-League player.
“We always knew Tiago had special qualities from the age of 11,” he explained.
“He is one of those rare players who believes his prime function is to beat his immediate opponent with skill and deception.
“We kept our faith in him during those years where he was too small to have maximum effect, and while his growth spurt made him seem quite ordinary.
“Tiago has come through that period and has been progressing very well in our National Premier League team. He now looks like he is capable of making a difference and an impact at A-League level for us.”
The Chelsea supporter looks up to the likes of Eden Hazard and was a huge fan of former Sydney FC star Adrian Mierzejewski.
“Mierzejewski was one of the players who was the best in the team and he was in my position so watching him dominate games every time he stepped on the field was exciting.”
However the youngster admits he couldn’t have made this decision without the support of his family.
“It is really exciting and a special moment for me and my family.
“My family were very happy. They couldn’t believe it. They were so proud and supportive.”
Quintal’s contract will commence from July and will continue his training with the A-League Men and National Premiers League squad in the meantime.
