David Zdrilic, Australian footballer and manager

David Zdrilic: A Journey from Socceroo Star to Esteemed Coach and Broadcaster

Born on April 13, 1974, David Allen Zdrilic, known also by his Croatian surname Zdrilić, is a prominent figure in Australian soccer, having carved out a distinguished career both on the pitch and in the media, and now continuing his impact in the coaching ranks of European football. Currently, he serves as the assistant coach for Serie A club Genoa, a testament to his expertise and dedication to the sport at the highest level.

A Distinguished Playing Career: From Australia to Europe and Record-Breaking Feats

Zdrilic's playing career saw him represent Australia on the international stage with pride and distinction. He earned 30 caps for the Australia national soccer team, affectionately known as the Socceroos. Among his most memorable achievements was an extraordinary performance where he scored eight goals in a single match. This incredible feat stands as the second-highest individual goal tally ever recorded for an Australian player, surpassed only by his Socceroos teammate Archie Thompson, who scored an astonishing 13 goals in that very same game. Beyond the traditional eleven-a-side game, Zdrilic also showcased his versatility and leadership as a member and captain of the Australia national beach soccer team, the Beach Socceroos. Domestically, his club career included a stint with Sydney FC in Australia's A-League, following a successful professional journey that saw him ply his trade across various leagues in Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, England, and Scotland, honing his skills and experience against diverse competition.

Transitioning to the Broadcast Booth: A Familiar Face and Voice on SBS

Beyond his prowess as a player, David Zdrilic has become a widely recognized and respected football presenter on the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australia's multicultural and public service broadcaster. His engaging personality and deep understanding of the game have made him a staple in football coverage for Australian audiences. Among his many high-profile assignments, Zdrilic was a central figure in SBS's comprehensive coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia. Four years prior, he had also hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, an event for which SBS's broadcast earned critical acclaim, receiving a prestigious Logie Award for Most Outstanding Sport Coverage. His broadcasting portfolio extends further, having presented SBS's Friday Night A-League coverage, offered insights during UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, and covered various international cup competitions. He was also a familiar face on the football entertainment show, Thursday FC, broadcast on SBS2.

The Coaching Chapter: Success in Germany and Stepping onto the Serie A Stage

Over recent years, Zdrilic seamlessly transitioned into coaching, initially balancing various coaching roles within Australia with his flourishing media career. His dedication to coaching truly took a significant step forward in July 2017 when he was appointed as the new assistant coach of the Under-17 team at the renowned German club RB Leipzig. His impact was immediate and profound; in his inaugural year coaching in Germany, his team achieved remarkable success, winning both cup competitions and securing the German Ost/Nord-Ost Bundesliga title. Following such a triumphant season, Zdrilic advanced within the club, moving up to the RB Leipzig U19 team, which functions as the club's second team or reserve squad, playing a crucial role in developing talent directly for the senior Bundesliga team. His coaching journey then led him across the Atlantic, where he took up the position of Assistant Manager for the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS). In early 2022, a compelling opportunity arose, and he answered the call to join Genoa CFC as an assistant coach in Italy's prestigious Serie A, a move that highlighted his ambition and standing in the global football landscape. Notably, this decision meant declining a request from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to take on the role of Manager for the Australia Men's Olympic Team, underscoring the significance of his current appointment.

Beyond the Pitch: A Glimpse into David Zdrilic's Lighter Side

Away from the strategic demands of coaching and the bright lights of television studios, David is known among those close to him for a few distinctive personal habits. He has a reputation for eating ice cream with remarkable speed, an apparent ability to finish an entire packet of biscuits in a single session, and a well-documented fondness for his girlfriend's home-cooked pasta, adding a touch of relatable charm to his accomplished profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Zdrilic