Sydney FC have signed one of Australian football’s hottest young prospects, Akol Akon, on a three year deal in a major coup for the club.
Akon rose to national prominence earlier this year with a stunning hat-trick in the Joeys’ (Australia’s U-17s) 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in Dubai, when he was just 15-years-old.
The youngster is capable of playing across the front line—on either wing or through the centre— and brings pace and flair to the Sky Blues’ attack.
His signing for the Sky Blues on his first professional contract from arch-rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, is viewed as a huge vindication of Sydney FC’s development pathways.
“It’s really exciting and I am really happy to get here and start a new journey,” said the 16-year old.
“I like how Sydney FC has progressed players over the years, they’ve done really well and I like the club a lot.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay believes Akon has the potential to make a real impact in the A-League.
“Akol is an exciting young talent with enormous potential,” Talay said.
“He has that natural instinct in the final third, a willingness to take players on and create something out of nothing. That’s not easy to find in young players.”
“He’s still very young, but we see huge upside in his development, and we’ll provide him with the tools and environment to grow into a top-level professional.”
A Western Sydney boy of South Sudanese descent, Akon hails from St Marys and began playing football at just four years old.
His journey has taken him from St Marys to Melbourne, Orange, as well as stints with Nepean and Southern Districts, before joining the Wanderers Academy two years ago.
Now, the teenager is ready to take the next big step at Sydney FC.
“I’d say I love to dribble,” he said.
“I like to take players on one v one, get shots off when I can, and I’m always looking to create something.
“That’s my game and that’s what I’m here to do. I want to show myself more and go at players every chance I get.”
Akon already has experience at senior level, having played NPL first grade football when he was just 15 years old.
His goals for the upcoming season are clear.
“I think the big one is making my debut—that would be a huge achievement. I also want to get good minutes in the NPL to build myself up. That’s a key part of my development.
“Over the next three years, I’d love to win the A-League with Sydney FC. That would be an amazing achievement.”
The chance to train with the A-League Men’s squad is something Akon is relishing.
“I’m really looking forward to learning from both Joe Lolley and Douglas Costa, but there’s a lot of talent to look up to here.”
Akon cites Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. as his greatest inspiration.
“Neymar has always been my idol. The way he takes players on, regardless of the score or situation, is something I admire. He’ll lose the ball and just go again—that’s inspiring.”
A proud Barcelona supporter, Akon says his family are thrilled with his decision.
“They’re really excited for me. No matter what decisions I make, they always back me, and I’m really grateful for that.
“They’re proud I chose Sydney FC, even though I’m a Western Sydney boy—it means a lot.”
The forward begins training with the Sky Blues NPL squad immediately before the A-League squad return later this month.
