Awer Mabil
Awer Bul Mabil | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 15, 1995 Kakuma, Kenya |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Known for | Playing as a winger for CD Castellón and the Australia national team; co-founder of Barefoot to Boots humanitarian organization |
Awer Bul Mabil (born 15 September 1995) is a professional footballer playing as a winger for the Segunda División side CD Castellón. Originally born to South Sudanese parents as a refugee in Kenya, he now competes internationally for the Australian national team.
Mabil’s football journey began within the South Australian National Training Centre and the youth ranks of Adelaide United. He made his senior debut with Campbelltown City before advancing to the A-League with Adelaide United in 2013.
He is also a co-founder of Barefoot to Boots, a humanitarian organization dedicated to enhancing health, education, and promoting gender equality among refugees, while distributing sports gear to displaced youth. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Young Australian of the Year in January 2023.
Early life and education
Born on 15 September 1995 in Kakuma, northwestern Kenya, Mabil’s early years were spent in the Kakuma Refugee Camp due to his South Sudanese heritage. At age ten, his family resettled in Adelaide, Australia. His introduction to football began around age five within the refugee camp, often playing barefoot with improvised balls such as rolled-up socks. Reflecting on his background during a 2022 World Cup qualifying match, Mabil remarked, "I was born in a hut... My hotel room here is definitely bigger than the hut we had as a family in that refugee camp."
During his adolescence, he attended St Columba College in Adelaide and completed his studies there in 2013.
Youth
Mabil’s early football development included stints at St Augustines, Playford City, SA NTC (2010–2011), and Salisbury East Junior Soccer Club.
Adelaide United
He first appeared at senior level for Campbelltown City competing in the FFSA National Premier League in 2012. Later that year, he secured a contract with Adelaide United competing in the A-League, where his speed and dribbling abilities were quickly acknowledged. Mabil’s senior debut for Adelaide United occurred on 11 January 2013 against Perth Glory. He netted his inaugural goal during the 2013–14 A-League season in a 2–1 away defeat to Wellington Phoenix.
FC Midtjylland
In July 2015, Mabil transferred to Danish Superliga outfit FC Midtjylland for an estimated fee surpassing AU$1.3 million. He made his first appearance on 16 October 2015 facing Randers FC and marked his UEFA Europa League debut later that month against Napoli FC. While initially experiencing limited playing time at Midtjylland, he cultivated a competitive mindset that led to loan moves designed to refine his abilities and match readiness.
Loan to Esbjerg fB
To gain more minutes on the pitch, Mabil was loaned out to Esbjerg fB in August 2016. He played his first match on 8 August 2016 versus AGF, although he received a red card just before halftime. Following Esbjerg's drop to the Danish 1st Division, it was announced that Mabil would be among nine players departing the club.
Loan to Paços de Ferreira
In July 2017, Mabil secured a loan move to Paços de Ferreira aiming for consistent first-team exposure. Despite the team’s relegation from the Primeira Liga at season’s end (2017–18), he delivered an impressive contribution tallying two goals and three assists across 26 league appearances. He has maintained an ongoing interest in the club’s progress.
Return to Midtjylland
In 2018, Mabil made his way back to Denmark as a more developed player, quickly making an impact with one goal and two assists within his first six matches. On 11 November 2018, he delivered an impressive performance by scoring twice and providing two assists in Midtjylland’s commanding 5–0 victory over Vejle, raising his season total to four goals and eight assists. He soon secured a regular spot in the starting lineup.
During the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League play-off round on 30 September 2020, Mabil assisted Sory Kaba’s header in a 4–1 triumph against Slavia Prague, which ensured Midtjylland’s inaugural qualification for the Champions League group stage. He netted his first goal in the competition on 25 November 2020 with a penalty against Ajax, although the team lost 3–1.
Loan to Kasımpaşa
After seven years at Midtjylland and declining to renew his contract, Mabil was loaned out in February 2022 to Turkish outfit Kasımpaşa for the remainder of the season.
Cádiz
Mabil committed to a four-year deal with Spanish La Liga side Cádiz in May 2022. Nevertheless, he featured in only six matches during his initial half-season, averaging around 40 minutes per appearance.
Loan to Sparta Prague
In January 2023, Mabil moved on loan to Czech club Sparta Prague. Over 14 appearances, he scored two goals and assisted three times, playing a significant role in Sparta securing the Czech league title.
Grasshoppers
On 21 August 2023, Mabil inked a two-year contract with Swiss champions Grasshopper Club Zürich, including an option for an additional year. He made his debut on 2 September as a substitute during a 2–1 defeat against Stade Lausanne Ouchy. On 7 October, he delivered an outstanding performance by scoring twice and assisting once in a 3–0 victory over Yverdon-Sport, earning him Man of the Match recognition.
In December 2023, Mabil sustained a hamstring injury that necessitated surgery, sidelining him for close to four months. Despite this setback, he accumulated 21 appearances across his first Swiss season, contributing eight goal involvements (four goals and four assists).
On 18 August 2024, he recorded a hat-trick alongside five assists during Grasshoppers’ dominant 9–0 Swiss Cup win over FC Regensdorf. He scored the lone goal for Grasshoppers in the Zurich Derby loss on 19 October. His final outing came on 26 October 2024 when an early mistake led to a goal in a 3–0 defeat against FC Lausanne-Sport. The club and player mutually agreed to terminate his contract on 7 January 2025.
CD Castellón
Mabil returned to Spain on 5 February 2025 by signing with Segunda División team CD Castellón until June 30, 2026.
International career
In August 2013, Mabil received a call-up from Australia for the COTIF Tournament held in L'Alcúdia, Spain, which served as preparation for the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship qualification phase.
Although born in South Sudan, FIFA granted him eligibility to represent Australia in March 2014 after a year-long process that involved obtaining his birth certificate and securing an exemption related to his refugee status.
He participated in all three group matches for Australia at the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship, facing Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Following impressive displays at FC Midtjylland, Mabil earned his first senior national team call-up for training under coach Graham Arnold.
Mabil made his senior international debut on 16 October 2018 against Kuwait, scoring his maiden goal for Australia in the 88th minute of a comprehensive 4–0 victory. Assisted by Tomi Juric and Thomas Deng, he celebrated alongside Deng—also a South Sudanese refugee making his debut—and dedicated his goal to his mother.
He featured in qualifying fixtures for the 2022 World Cup. Notably, during the crucial match versus Peru, Mabil converted a decisive penalty that secured Australia's World Cup berth. He described this moment as "the only way to say thank you to Australia on behalf of my family."
On 22 September 2022, Mabil scored his first international goal on home soil during a friendly against New Zealand, contributing to a narrow 1–0 win at Lang Park.
Barefoot to Boots
Together with his older brother, Awer G. Bul, and Ian Smith, Mabil co-established the humanitarian organization Barefoot to Boots. The charity focuses on enhancing "health, education, and gender equality" among refugee populations. Through this initiative, he revisited Kakuma to advocate for football and provide assistance to refugee communities.
Awards and Distinctions
Mabil was honored with the FIFPRO Merit Award in 2018 by the International Federation of Professional Footballers during a ceremony in Rome. The US$25,000 award was contributed to his foundation to advance its objectives.
In June 2022, St Columba College recognized him as the 2022 Alumni of the Year, celebrating his accomplishments in football and his community engagement through Barefoot to Boots.
Later, in November 2022, he earned the title of 2023 Young Australian of the Year for South Australia. Subsequently, on 25 January 2023, he was presented with the national Young Australian of the Year accolade.
Personal Background
His elder brother, Awer G. Bul, serves as the director of Barefoot to Boots. Tragically, his sister Bor passed away in a car accident in Adelaide in 2018.
Mabil attended school alongside fellow refugee and Socceroo player Thomas Deng.
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup[lower-alpha 1] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Adelaide United | 2012–13 | A-League | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | |||
| 2013–14 | A-League | 20 | 2 | — | — | 1[lower-alpha 2] | 0 | 21 | 2 | |||
| 2014–15 | A-League | 19 | 5 | 3 | 1 | — | 2[lower-alpha 2] | 1 | 24 | 7 | ||
| Total | 44 | 7 | 3 | 1 | — | 3 | 1 | 50 | 9 | |||
| FC Midtjylland | 2015–16 | Superliga | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 9 | 0 | |
| 2018–19 | Superliga | 30 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
0 | — | 36 | 6 | ||
| 2019–20 | Superliga | 34 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
0 | — | 36 | 8 | ||
| 2020–21 | Superliga | 21 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 10Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
2 | — | 34 | 3 | ||
| 2021–22 | Superliga | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
1 | — | 6 | 2 | ||
| Total | 94 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 22 | 3 | — | 121 | 19 | |||
| Esbjerg fB (loan) | 2016–17 | Superliga | 25 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 4Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
0 | 29 | 4 | |
| Paços de Ferreira (loan) | 2017–18 | Primeira Liga | 26 | 2 | — | — | 3Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
1 | 29 | 3 | ||
| Kasımpaşa (loan) | 2021–22 | Süper Lig | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 11 | 2 | ||
| Cádiz | 2022–23 | La Liga | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 0 | ||
| Sparta Prague (loan) | 2022–23 | Czech First League | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 16 | 2 | ||
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Grasshopper Club Zürich (Grasshoppers) | 2023–24 Grasshopper Club Zürich season | Swiss Super League | 19 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | 2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content |
0 | 22 | - | |||||
International
| National team | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2018 | 4 | 2 |
| 2019 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | |
| Overall | 32 | 9 | |
- The scoreline displays Australia's goals first; the score column reflects the match score immediately after each Mabil goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score after goal | Final result | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 October 2018 | Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, Kuwait City | 1 | Template:Fb | 4–0 | 4–0 | Friendly match |
| 2 | 30 December 2018 | Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai | 4 | Template:Fb | 3–0 | 5–0 | Friendly match |
| 3 | 11 January 2019 | Rashid Stadium, Dubai | 6 | Template:Fb | 2–0 | 3–0 | 2019 AFC Asian Cup |
| 4 | 15 January 2019 | Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain | 7 | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2019 AFC Asian Cup |
| 5 | 2 September 2021 | Khalifa International Stadium, Doha | 17 | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round |
| 6 | 7 October 2021 | Khalifa International Stadium, Doha | 19 | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 3–1 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 7 | 1 June 2022 | Al Janoub Stadium, Al-Wakrah | 26 | Template:Fb | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly match |
| 8 | 22 September 2022 | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 29 | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly match |
| 9 | 24 March 2023 | Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney | 32 | Template:Fb | 2–1 | 3–1 | Friendly match |
Honours
Adelaide United
- FFA Cup: 2014
Midtjylland
- Danish Superliga: 2019–20 season
- Danish Cup: 2018–19 season
Sparta Prague
- Czech First League: 2022–23 season
Individual Awards
- National Youth League Player of the Year: 2012–13 season
- FFA U20 Male Player of the Year: 2014
- Young Australian of the Year: 2023
External links
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- Pages with script errors
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- Articles with short description
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- 1995 births
- Living people
- People from Rift Valley Province
- Australian men's soccer players
- Australia men's youth international soccer players
- Australian people of South Sudanese descent
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in Spain
- Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland
- Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland
- Men's association football forwards
- A-League Men players
- FFSA Super League players
- Danish Superliga players
- Süper Lig players
- Primeira Liga players
- La Liga players
- Swiss Super League players
- Adelaide United FC players
- FC Midtjylland players
- Esbjerg fB players
- F.C. Paços de Ferreira players
- Kasımpaşa S.K. footballers
- Cádiz CF players
- AC Sparta Prague players
- Grasshopper Club Zurich players
- CD Castellón footballers
- South Sudanese emigrants to Australia
- Naturalised soccer players of Australia
- 2019 AFC Asian Cup players
- Australia men's international soccer players
- South Sudanese refugees
- Sportspeople of South Sudanese descent
- 2022 FIFA World Cup players
- Soccer players from Adelaide
- Refugees in Kenya
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in Denmark
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in Portugal
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey
- Australian expatriate men's soccer players
- Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark
- Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal
- Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey
- Australian expatriate sportspeople in the Czech Republic
- Expatriate men's footballers in the Czech Republic
- 21st-century Australian sportsmen