Sydney FC Sign Young Striker Mathias Macallister

Macallister Signs For Sydney FC A-League Men's Squad
Hear from Mathias Macallister on signing his first professional deal

Sydney FC have completed the signing of exciting young striker Mathias Macallister on a three-year contract.

The 18-year-old, who scored a hat-trick this week in the Sky Blues’ first pre-season hit-out against Hakoah, also made headlines last month after scoring five goals in a single match against Manly United in the NPL.

He joins the Sky Blues’ senior squad for Isuzu-UTE A-League 2025-26 season as one of the country’s most promising young forwards.

Macallister has impressed throughout the NPL season with his movement, composure in front of goal and relentless work rate, and earns his first professional contract with the club he has developed with since 12 years old.

The young striker couldn’t hide his excitement at signing with Sydney FC.

READ MORE: FULL INS & OUTS | TRANSFER CENTRE
READ MORE: BIZARRE SYDNEY FC LINK TO HISTORIC FORMULA ONE PODIUM

Macallister holds the scarf aloft at Sky Park

“It’s amazing, I’ve worked so hard for this. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, to be playing for my boyhood club,” said Macallister.

“Finally signing the [3 year] contract feels incredible and I can’t wait to get going.

“The [A-League] standard is just on another level. Everything’s sharper, quicker, more intense. I’ve noticed now how the pros do all the small things right.”

Macallister after signing a three year deal for Sydney FC

Macallister also revealed three people who he has used as inspiration and looked up to, to get him to this level in his career.

“Rhyan Grant has been a standout his whole career for Sydney FC,” he continued.

“Watching him put on the shirt every week and give everything has been inspiring.

“And my dad [former A-Leagues striker Dylan Macallister] has been there through everything.

READ MORE: MACALLISTER NETS HAT-TRICK IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY WIN

“He tells me what I’m doing well, what I need to work on. I honestly wouldn’t be here without him.

“And last but not least my mum, who has supported me and done everything for me, behind the scenes from day one.”

Head Coach Ufuk Talay believes Macallister has all the attributes to succeed at the top level.

“Mathias is a very talented young striker with a great eye for goal,” said Talay.

A sublime chip from Macallister for his first against Hakoah. Photo Jaime Castaneda.



“He’s got natural instincts in the box, good pace, and a strong work ethic, which is what we’re looking for in young players.

“We’ve seen what he can do in the NPL and now it’s about helping him take that next step into the A-League and reach his full potential.”

Macallister becomes the latest graduate from Sydney FC’s Academy to earn a professional contract, as the Sky Blues continue their commitment to developing elite young Australian talent.

The young Sydney FC and Leeds fan also revealed what Sky Blues Members can expect from him.

“I bring goals. That’s what I want to give the club and the fans. And when I score, I’ll celebrate with the fans too,” he said.

Scoring and celebrating in NPL. Photo Jaime Castaneda.

“I score all kinds. I’ve scored with my head, long range, penalties everything. But I really like one or two-touch finishes in the box. That’s my bread and butter. I can pop one from outside too, top corner if needed.”

On the five goals in one game he said: “It was two with my right, two with my left, and one header – the perfect hat-trick and a double on top. Pretty much the full set with the chip being my favourite.”

He joins the Sky Blues’ first team immediately and is in line for selection against Wrexham AFC and Western United in the Australia Cup.