The AFC Under-20 Asian Cup? Conquered. Now, Subway Young Socceroos star Alex Badolato is looking to shine in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Badolato and the Young Socceroos took the Asian Cup by storm in China, where Australia clinched their maiden U20 Asian Cup crown thanks to a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
“It’s a real band of brothers here,” said Badolato after touching down on home soil. “We’ve been working all across the world for 18 months now.
“So it’s a real brotherhood this team. I think that showed on and off the field how close we are.”
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Landing back in his native Sydney on Monday morning, the 20-year-old will now look to gain regular game time in the Isuzu UTE A-League, albeit at a new club.
Sealing a late loan switch from the Wanderers on deadline day before joining up with the Young Socceroos, Badolato will now spend the rest of the season on loan at Melbourne Victory.
“When I found out there was a few offers, I was pretty adamant to go get some game time somewhere,” he said.
He continued: “A club like Victory is a great stepping stone. It’s a big club, the most successful club in the country. It’s really an amazing opportunity so it’s something I really wanted to be a part of.”
Despite featuring in 11 Isuzu UTE A-League matches for the Wanderers during the 2023-24 season, Badolato has seen his game time limited under head coach Alen Stajcic this campaign.
Playing just 34 minutes in total and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Badolato believes the move was best for all parties.
“I think with the Wanderers… football is a game of opinions. That’s just the way football works. I think the Wanderers are a great team that’s got a lot of competition for places,” he said.
He went on to say: “I’ve spoken to Dilla (Victory head coach Arthur Diles) and Dilla has been great.
Having shone for his country throughout the campaign, Badolato will now be hoping he can carry that form into the Isuzu UTE A-League.
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Furthermore, the Young Socceroos and Badolato now have a FIFA U20 World Cup to look forward to in Chile in September and October later this year.
“I think it’s a big 12 months for me personally. I think there’s a lot of opportunities, not only in the A-League, but also the World Cup,” the youngster said. “The World Cup is definitely something I want to work towards at the end of the year.”
Asked whether or not a potential Socceroos call-up is now front and centre in his mind, the 20-year-old moved quickly to temper expectations.
“I think it’s every kid’s dream to play for the Socceroos. But at the moment I’m just taking it one step at a time,” he replied.
