There is something special about seeing a South Australian player reach the world stage.
For Paul Izzo, that journey began in Adelaide, his early football years were spent at Campbelltown City SC, a club that helped form the foundation of a career that has now taken him across Australia, into Europe, and onto the international stage.
Chairman of Campbelltown City Soccer Club had this to say about Paul Izzo upon being selected for the 2026 CommBank Socceroos World Cup Squad.
"On behalf of everyone at Campbelltown City Soccer Club, we are incredibly proud to see one of our former players Paul Izzo, earn the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage. This achievement is a testament not only to his talent and dedication, but also to the strength of football within our community.
For Campbelltown, it is a moment of great pride to see a local player progress from our club to the highest level of the game. Their success is an inspiration to our current players and young footballers across the region, showing what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a passion for the sport.
We congratulate him on this outstanding milestone and look forward to following his journey in the green and gold.
As a young player, Izzo’s talent quickly stood out. After developing at Campbelltown City, he joined the Australian Institute of Sport before signing with Adelaide United.
At just 17 years of age, he made his A-League Men debut for Adelaide United, stepping onto the professional stage as one of the brightest young goalkeepers in the country.
Izzo’s connection to Adelaide United became a major part of his journey. Across two stints with the Reds, he made 99 appearances, kept 26 clean sheets and was part of three FFA Cup-winning squads in 2014, 2018 and 2019.
For South Australian football fans, Izzo became a familiar figure between the posts. Calm, sharp and reliable, he represented more than just a goalkeeper doing his job. He represented a local player showing what was possible.
After his time with Adelaide United, Izzo continued to grow his career across Australia and overseas. He has played for Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory, Greek club Xanthi FC, and is currently with Danish Superliga side Randers FC making 17 league appearances with 6 clean sheets in the 2025/26 season.
With every season, Izzo built his reputation as one of Australia’s most consistent goalkeepers. His sharp reflexes, presence in goal and ability to produce big saves in big moments helped him continue to push himself into the national team conversation.
Then came one of the biggest moments of his career, in September 2025, Izzo made his senior debut for the Socceroos against New Zealand in the Soccer Ashes.
It was a dream moment for the Adelaide-born goalkeeper, pulling on the green and gold, earning Socceroos cap number 650, and representing Australia at senior international level marked a special milestone in a journey that began right here in South Australia.
Izzo kept a clean sheet on debut in Australia’s 1-0 win, producing the kind of performance that showed exactly why he had earned his opportunity.
For any player, a Socceroos debut is unforgettable. For a South Australian goalkeeper who began his journey at Campbelltown City, it was a moment for the whole local football community to celebrate.
Paul Izzo on representing the Socceroos
It really does hit home when I’m able to put this jersey on
A goalkeeping masterclass from Izzo in a international friendly versus Canada in October 2025 saw Izzo pull off 8 impressive saves helping the Socceroos beat the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts 1-0, this impressive performance helped Izzo cemented his place in the 2026 CommBank Socceroo squad for the FIFA World Cup where we will look to be an important presence in the squad.
Now part of Australia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Izzo’s story has reached another exciting chapter.
Izzo’s journey also highlights the unique role of goalkeepers in football. It is a position built on focus, confidence and bravery. A goalkeeper can change a match in a single moment, and Izzo has built a career on being ready for those moments.
From Campbelltown City to Adelaide United, from the A-League Men to Europe, and now from South Australia to the Socceroos, Paul Izzo’s journey is one to celebrate.
And for the next generation watching on, it is a reminder that the pathway is there, the dream is possible, and the next big moment could begin on a local pitch right here in South Australia.