Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato may be the exciting players for the Socceroos, but Lucas Herrington stands out as a remarkable talent in this World Cup. At just 18, he made history as the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match when he took the field against Paraguay. His impressive trajectory has led to speculation about a possible transfer to Barcelona, and experts anticipate that his next move could surpass the Australian record set by Harry Souttar, who was transferred to Leicester for £15 million (approximately A$26 million) in 2023.
When Souttar compared Herrington to a high-end car brand following the match against Paraguay, it was a testament to the young player’s poise. “You wouldn’t think that’s his first World Cup game. The guy was absolutely composed, calm,” he remarked, adding, “You can see the guy’s like a Rolls-Royce.”
Last year, Brisbane Roar, Herrington’s A-League club, arranged a 20% sell-on clause with Colorado when they transferred him. However, before the World Cup, the club opted to sell him for about A$500,000, a choice that may end up costing them millions. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe succinctly noted, “They’ll probably be kicking themselves.”
Herrington navigates the transfer chatter and links to Barcelona with the same calmness he exhibits on the field. He acknowledges that he is aware of the speculation, admitting it does affect him, but he remains focused on the tournament. “I’m just trying to stay present and really enjoy this moment. It’s my first one, hopefully first of many, but it doesn’t come around very often,” he expressed. “I’m really just trying to put my best forward and work hard, and we’ll see what comes after it.”
His contribution to the Australian squad has been invaluable. The recent 0-0 draw against Paraguay, where he played a key role, was crucial in securing Australia’s advancement to the knockout stage. Unbeknownst to the players at the time, a 1-0 loss, given the outcomes of other matches, could have resulted in Australia’s elimination while allowing Iran to qualify.
Herrington’s ability to distribute the ball calmly and assert his presence both in the air and on the ground—especially as Paraguay targeted him during the first half—was instrumental in ensuring Australia’s progression. His performance further solidified his reputation as a player who has rapidly ascended from the A-League to facing global stars like Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min in Major League Soccer, culminating in a starting position for his national team in the last 32.
Metcalfe praised Herrington’s performance, stating that what he has shown at 18 has been “Nothing really fazes him, he never looks nervous, I’m not nervous when he has the ball,” emphasizing that his composure instills confidence in his teammates. “Sometimes if a young player is playing, a lot of the other boys can be nervous they’re going to make a rash decision, but he is calm on the ball.” Metcalfe shared. He added, “I try to stay calm, I mean it’s not something that I work on. I think it might just come naturally, but I just believe in my abilities, believe in the team’s abilities and just play what’s in front of me.”
Herrington himself struggles to articulate the source of his remarkable calmness. “I was ready for all three games and I just wanted to be involved, so when I got the nod for the Paraguay game I was over the moon,” he explained.
His World Cup debut against Paraguay came later than some had anticipated. Although Herrington started in both warm-up matches for the Socceroos, the more seasoned Cam Burgess was selected for the games against Turkey and the USA. When Jason Geria was chosen to replace Burgess instead of Herrington in the match against the USA, it raised a few eyebrows.
Days prior to the Paraguay match, head coach Tony Popovic informed Herrington that he would get his opportunity. “I let my parents know. Mum was a bit nervous but she was more excited than anything and I just wanted to really remember it as the proudest moment of my life and just really enjoy it.” the defender recounted.
“I’ve been supporting the Socceroos at the World Cup for as long as I can remember, so to be here is special and my mates back home are also supportive,”
The narrative surrounding Herrington became even more remarkable when a video surfaced last week, showing the Brisbane fan zone during the 2022 World Cup. The clip featured a 14-year-old Herrington, unmistakably lanky with curly hair, cheering for the Socceroos alongside his friends.
“It’s another one of those moments that I pinch myself, and just try and make everyone from where I’m back from just proud and give them someone to look at, [and show] that they can do it as well.” Herrington remarked. “No, I’m happy with Rolls-Royce,”
After being informed of Souttar’s praise during his press conference on Sunday, Herrington was given the chance to choose another automotive brand with which he might relate more closely. “No, I’m happy with Rolls-Royce,” he affirmed. “I’ll take that.”
- World Cup 2026
- Australia national football team – Socceroos
- World Cup
- Australia sport
- features
