There was a standout quote from Sydney FC academy graduate Mathias Macallister back in July.
“I bring goals,” he said after signing his first professional contract.
Macallister isn’t wrong. His pre-season form is proof of that.
Described as “one of the country’s most talented young forwards”, the 18-year-old has scored eight goals with a Round 1 trip to rivals Adelaide United looming on October 17.
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“I score all kinds (of goals). 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,” he said.
“That’s what I want to give the club and the fans. And when I score, I’ll celebrate with the fans too.”
Macallister – the son of former Central Coast Mariners, Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City footballer Dylan – has not looked back since scoring a hat-trick against Hakoah.
The club’s 2025 Rising Star followed that up with the winning goal in Sydney FC’s 2025 Australia Cup opener in July. Since then, he has struck against Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.
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“Mathias is a very talented young striker with a great eye for goal,” said Sky Blues head coach Ufuk Talay of Macallister, who registered an incredible five-goal haul at NPL level in 2025.
“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.”
In a talented squad boasting former LaLiga forward Victor Campuzano and English star Joe Lolley up front, with statement signing and Peru international Piero Quispe providing creativity in behind, the teenager is emerging as the latest young gun to watch in 2025-26 having had a taste of senior football during the club’s historic run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals last season.
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“Mathias is one of his own harshest critics, and it’s what makes him a great learner,” Sydney FC’s senior academy head coach Jimmy van Weeren told aleagues.com.au previously. “His attention to detail around his movement to get him behind, and his movement in and around the box to convert chances is first class.
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“He’s a great learner. He’s a great reflector, and he’s always looking for areas of improvements in his game. I think he’s starting to really reap the benefits of some of the work that he does and some of the self-reflection and desire to learn and grow.
“If you look at Mathias now, that part of his game has really come a long way. He’s showing what he can do, obviously as a striker, and converting chances for the team, but also, more holistically, as a striker, he’s willing to defend. He’s willing to compete. He competes for balls that come forward.
“He’s really starting to become a really well rounded number nine.”
