Tuesday 17 July 2018, 12:47

Cahill announces retirement from Socceroos

  • Australia's Tim Cahill retires from international football

  • Cahill is the Socceroos' all-time leading goalscorer (50)

  • First Australian to play in four World Cups

Australia's all-time leading goalscorer and the first player in the country's history to take part in four FIFA World Cups™ Tim Cahill has announced his retirement from international football.

Cahill wrote the following on his official Twitter account: "Today’s the day that I’m officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos. No words can describe what it has meant to represent my country. Massive thank you to everyone for the support throughout all my years wearing the Australian badge."

Cahill made 107 appearances for his country, which is the second most in Australia's history behind goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (109). His first cap was on 30 March 2004 culminating with his appearance in Australia's 2-0 defeat by Peru at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

He is Australia's all-time leading goalscorer with 50, and to demonstrate the legacy he leaves behind, the next top goalscorer in the country's history finished with 29 in Damian Mori.

Cahill will forever be an Australian World Cup legend. He became the first Socceroo to score at the World Cup finals, when he helped Australia come from behind to defeat Japan 3-1 at Germany 2006.

He scored goals in three consecutive World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014). Known for his aerial ability and impressive vertical leap, it is his stunning volley, however, from the 2014 World Cup that will live longest in world football's memory.

The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) Chairman Steven Lowy AM spoke about Cahill's contribution to the game on the FA's official website: “Tim Cahill is a football great in Australia. As a player and as a person he has had an enormous impact on the game. Tim’s performances on and off the pitch and his feats at FIFA World Cups and AFC Asian Cups have inspired millions across the globe, but it is in Australia, where Tim is a household name, that his influence is most profound. He has our very best wishes for whatever new challenges he takes on. We hope to continue to work with Tim to promote football in Australia.”