Sydney FC have signed highly-rated Academy goalkeeper Alexander Zaverdinos on a one-year A-League contract for the 2026-27 season.
The 19-year-old has been part of the Sky Blues’ Academy since Under 13s and steps into the first-team squad full-time after featuring in NPL First Grade during the past two seasons.
Zaverdinos was also part of Sydney FC’s Academy squad which reached the final of a prestigious international tournament in Germany in 2024, competing against leading European academies including Borussia Mönchengladbach and Everton.
Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes the young goalkeeper has earned his opportunity.
“Alexander is an athletic, aggressive and agile goalkeeper who communicates very well and has shown a really good level of consistency,” Kisnorbo said.
“He’s worked extremely hard for this opportunity and deserves his shot.
“He’s still a young goalkeeper with plenty of development ahead of him, but he has earned the chance to step into the A-League squad and compete with Harrison and Gus.
“That competition will be good for all three of them and Alexander will be tested over the next few weeks, which will be another important step in his development.”
Zaverdinos said signing his first A-League contract was a proud moment after growing up within the club.
“I’ve been here since Under 13s and I’ve loved my time at Sydney FC, so I’m really excited to take the next step and be part of the first team full-time,” he said.
“There’s healthy competition between the goalkeepers. We’re close off the field, but once we’re training everyone wants to push each other and improve.
“It’s a great feeling to officially be part of the first team, but nothing changes for me. I need to keep working just as hard, if not harder.”
The 186cm goalkeeper cites Arsenal and Spain star David Raya as a major influence, admiring his aggressive style, athleticism, technical ability and willingness to play with the ball.
