Sydney FC has secured the signature of exciting young forward Gabriel Popovic on a two-year contract, bringing the 22-year-old striker back to his childhood home city ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Popovic returns to Sydney following a football journey that has taken him across Europe, with professional spells in Greece, Croatia and Italy, as well as two stints with Perth Glory where he made his A-League debut as a 16-year-old.
The highly-rated frontman joins the Sky Blues as Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo continues to strengthen his squad following Sydney FC’s strong finish to last season.
Popovic said he was thrilled to be returning home
“I’m incredibly excited to be coming home to Sydney,” he said.
“This is where I grew up, where I first fell in love with football.
“To now have the opportunity to wear the Sky Blue jersey is something I’m very proud of.
“I’m really looking forward to joining a club that has so much momentum behind it after the way they finished last season.
“There’s a very strong squad here with a lot of talented young players and I can’t wait to get started, meet the boys and contribute however I can.”
Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes Popovic’s qualities will add another dimension to Sydney FC’s attack.
“Gabriel is a strong, dominant number nine with a real passion for the game,” Kisnorbo said.
“He’s the type of striker who will cause problems for defenders and he gives us a different option in our forward line.
“For a player who is only 22 years old, he already has good experience having played professional football in a number of different countries.
“That exposure to different environments and styles of football will be valuable and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development here at Sydney FC.”
Popovic will link up with his new Sydney FC team-mates at the end of June as preparations begin for the Sydney Super Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur and the Australia Cup 2026 campaign.
