Sydney FC have secured the long-term future of one of the brightest young talents in Australian football, handing academy forward Mathias Macallister a three-year professional contract.
Having been in the Sydney FC system since the age of 12, Macallister has now inked his first professional contract and will link up with Ufuk Talay’s senior squad ahead of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season.
Mathias Macallister scores FIVE for Sydney FC
The 18-year-old has made headlines over the last few months, first scoring five goals for the Sky Blues’ NPL side in a recent win over Manly United, before scoring a second-half hat-trick during Sydney FC’s recent 7-0 pre-season win over Hakoah.
“It’s amazing, I’ve worked so hard for this,” said Macallister after inking his first professional contract.
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted, to be playing for my boyhood club. Finally signing the contract feels incredible and I can’t wait to get going.
“The (Isuzu UTE 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.
“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.
“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.”
The son of former Central Coast, Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City footballer Dylan Macallister, the 18-year-old has seen his fair share of top players represent Sydney FC during his six-year association with the Sky Blues, some of whom have inspired him, as well as his dad.
“Rhyan Grant has been a standout his whole career for Sydney FC,” said Macallister. “Watching him put on the shirt every week and give everything has been inspiring.
“And my Dad has been there through everything. He tells me what I’m doing well, what I need to work on. I honestly wouldn’t be here without him.
Still on the look out for a new striker following the departure of Polish forward Patryk Klimala, Sky Blues boss Talay praised Macallister’s technical attributes ahead of what could be a breakout season for the young gun.
“Mathias is a very talented young striker with a great eye for goal,” said Talay.
“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.”
