Mark Schwarzer is one of the most decorated players in Socceroos history, and one of the stars of Australia’s ‘Golden Generation’ that qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. It was Schwarzer’s two saves in the penalty shoot-out that helped Australia defeat Uruguay and reach the FIFA World Cup Finals after a 32-year drought.
The goalkeeper is the Socceroos’ most-capped player, making 109 appearances for his national team between his debut in 1993 to his international retirement 20 years later.
Schwarzer was born and raised in Sydney, New South Wales and made his professional debut with National Soccer League club Marconi Stallions in 1990. Across his playing career, Schwarzer donned the jerseys of Dynamo Dresden & FC Kaiserslautern in Germany, and Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea & Leicester City in England.
He made over 500 appearances in England’s Premier League and was part of title-winning squads at Chelsea (2014/15) and Leicester City (2015/16).
After making his international debut in 1993 in a FIFA World Cup Play-Off against Canada, starring in a penalty shoot-out win, Schwarzer went on to become the Socceroos’ longest-serving player, playing at two FIFA World Cups (2006 & 2010) and winning the OFC Nations Cup in 2004, and still holds the record for most clean sheets (44) in Socceroos history.
Post his playing career, Schwarzer has forged a path in the football media industry, working for Optus Sport covering the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Premier League and more.
Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees
