Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres reveals what it meant to play for the Socceroos – and why Sky Blues can win in Asia this season

• Anthony Caceres made his Socceroos debut last November
• At 32, midfielder feared he would never be given the opportunity
• Now eyeing off silverware with Sydney FC domestically and in Asia

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 20:11 GMT, 11 March 2025 | Updated: 20:11 GMT, 11 March 2025

Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres didn’t want to be one of those players who should have played for the Socceroos.

And at 32, he had every reason to think his dream was never going to materialise.

Enter Tony Popovic.

The Socceroos boss knew the qualities the man of Uruguayan heritage offered – and he introduced him into the fray last November off the bench against Saudi Arabia, in a World Cup qualifier.

Fast forward almost six months and it remains a cherished life moment for Caceres, who started his football journey with the Marconi Stallions.

He caught the eye as a talented youngster, and was recruited by the Central Coast Mariners in 2012 not long after finishing high school.

Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres didn’t want to be one of those players who should have played for the Socceroos, but didn’t (pictured, with wife Helen)

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic handed Caceres his Socceroos debut last November in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia

‘I’m eternally grateful to Popa, it was special,’ Caceres said in a wide-ranging interview with Daily Mail Australia when reflecting on his maiden Socceroos cap.

‘When I got the text to say I was in the squad, I was playing at home with my daughter in her cubby house.

‘My wife (retired ALW footballer Helen Petinos) and my parents were so happy….and it was great to see my family in the crowd when I got on the pitch in Melbourne.’

Caceres has also relished Sydney FC’s impressive run in the AFC Champions League Two competition this season, where they are in the box seat to progress to the semi-finals.

The Sky Blues lead powerful South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC 2-0 after their quarter-final first leg – and with the second game on home soil at Allianz Stadium on March 13, the veteran is daring to dream.

‘It has been a great campaign, we have played well and results have followed,’ he said.

‘From playing (Japanese giants) Sanfrecce Hiroshima, in the Philippines to seeing snow for the first time in Korea….these are the kind of experiences you love.

‘The standard has been good…now we just have to keep believing.’

Caceres has been a standout for the Sky Blues in the A-League and the Asian Champions League 2 competition this season

The midfielder joined the club in 2019 following stints at the Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne City and Al Wasl FC in Dubai

When quizzed on Sydney FC’s patchy form in the A-League, Caceres was equally puzzled.

‘It has been frustrating, lots of injuries and as a result, some guys have been playing out of position,’ he said.

‘Hopefully we can keep our guys on the pitch…and then go on a run.’

Caceres is off-contract at the end of the season – and would love to extend his time at Allianz Stadium.

‘That’s the aim, the club have been very good to me since I joined in 2019,’ he added.

‘No matter what happens, I’ll look to stay involved and give back to the game.’

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Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres reveals what it meant to play for the Socceroos – and why Sky Blues can win in Asia this season

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