Craig Goodwin
Goodwin with Adelaide United in 2021
Personal information
Full name Craig Alexander Goodwin[1]
Date of birth (1991-12-16) 16 December 1991 (age 32)[1]
Place of birth Adelaide, Australia
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Position(s) Left winger
Team information
Current team
 Al-Wehda
Number 23
Youth career
Munno Para City
Para Hills Knights
Adelaide Raiders
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2010 Adelaide Raiders 33 (3)
2011 Oakleigh Cannons 19 (2)
2012 Melbourne Heart 4 (0)
2012–2014 Newcastle Jets 44 (5)
2014–2016 Adelaide United 55 (10)
2016–2018 Sparta Rotterdam 47 (6)
2018–2019 Adelaide United 29 (10)
2019–2022 Al-Wehda 29 (4)
2020–2021 → Abha (loan) 16 (2)
2021–2022 → Adelaide United (loan) 45 (18)
2022–2023 Adelaide United 28 (15)
2023– Al-Wehda 14 (6)
International career‡
2012 Australia U23 1 (0)
2013– Australia 24 (4)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 29 January 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 2 February 2024

Craig Alexander Goodwin (born 16 December 1991) is an Australian professional soccer player as a left winger for Saudi Professional League club Al-Wehda and the Australian national team. Known for his agility and speed, he is Adelaide United's all-time leading goalscorer.

Club career

Early career

Goodwin started his career playing for amateur club Munno Para City Football Club. He later signed for one of the top local Adelaide sides Adelaide Raiders who play in the South Australian Super League. After being cut during the Adelaide United youth team trials he moved to Melbourne where he signed with Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons.

Melbourne Heart

On 2 September 2011, it was announced he had signed with the Melbourne Heart youth team who play in the National Youth League.[2] He made his senior professional debut for Melbourne Heart during the 2011–12 A-League campaign in a round 19 fixture against Melbourne Victory in which he received the man of the match award.[3]

Newcastle Jets

On 7 May 2012, it was announced he had signed a two-year contract with A-League club Newcastle Jets.[4] At Newcastle, Goodwin was known for his finishing and accurate crossing, which benefited strikers Emile Heskey and Ryan Griffiths. He scored his first A-League goal against Sydney FC on 13 October 2012. His goal proved to be the winner in a 3–2 victory. Due to his consistent amazing performances Craig was nominated for NAB Young Footballer of the Year in October. On 8 April 2013 Goodwin joined English Premier League side Reading on trial for two weeks.[5]

Adelaide United

On 7 September 2014, it was announced that Goodwin had signed with hometown A-League club Adelaide United, ending a two-year stay with Newcastle Jets.[6]

Sparta Rotterdam

On 5 May 2016, it was announced that Goodwin had signed with Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam four days after Adelaide United's A-League Championship Grand Final victory against the Western Sydney Wanderers.[7] He made his debut on 7 August 2016 against Ajax, coming on as a substitute for Iván Calero in the 68th minute.[8] Goodwin scored his first goal for the club a week later, scoring the second goal for Sparta Rotterdam in their 3–0 victory over PEC Zwolle.[9][10] On 1 May 2018, Goodwin and Sparta Rotterdam mutually agreed to prematurely end his contract after struggling for game time.[11]

Return to Adelaide United

It was announced on 25 May 2018 that Goodwin had returned to Adelaide United on a 3-year contract.[12][13] On 30 October 2018, he scored both of Adelaide United's goals in their FFA Cup Final victory over Sydney FC and won the Mark Viduka Medal, making him the first Australian to win the award.[14]

Al-Wehda

On 15 July 2019, it was announced that Goodwin's buyout clause was met by Saudi Professional League side Al-Wehda for an estimated $450,000.[15] On 17 July 2019, it was officially announced via the club's Twitter that he had signed on a two-year deal.[16][non-primary source needed] Al-Wehda underwent a managerial change which saw a new player come in and replace Goodwin in the starting lineup, Goodwin signed a one-year contract extension and was immediately loaned out to Abha.[17] Goodwin mutually terminated his loan with Abha over difficulties with himself and his partner living in the new city. Goodwin then returned to Adelaide United in February 2021, on a loan deal until the end of the 2020–21 A-League season.[18] Goodwin's loan was then extended until the end of the 2021–22 A-League season.[19]

Second return to Adelaide United

After two successive seasons on loan, Goodwin re-signed for Adelaide United in July, on a three-year contract.[20] On 30 October in a match against Perth Glory, Goodwin scored his 45th goal for Adelaide United which made him the club's outright all-time record goalscorer.

On 8 September, 2023, it was announced that Goodwin would be departing Adelaide United, to make his return to the Saudi Pro League. Goodwin had stated the decision was "extremely difficult".[21]

Return to Al-Wehda

Following his departure from Adelaide United, Al-Wehda announced the signing of Goodwin on a deal until 2025.[22]

International career

Goodwin celebrating his goal in Australia's group game against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

On 7 March 2012, Goodwin was selected to represent the Australia Olympic football team in an Asian Olympic Qualifier match against Iraq.[23]

Goodwin made his international debut for Australia on 26 July 2013, coming on as a late substitute in a loss to Japan at the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup.[24] He started the next match of the tournament, playing a full game in a 4–3 loss to China.[25]

On 27 January 2022, he scored his first international goal against Vietnam in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification as Australia won 4–0 in Melbourne.[26]

He was named in Australia's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November 2022.[27] On 22 November 2022, Goodwin scored his second international goal and Australia's first World Cup goal from open play since the 2014 World Cup, in a 1–4 loss against France. In the last sixteen, his deflected strike, ultimately credited as an Argentine own goal, halved the deficit in a 1–2 loss against eventual champions Argentina in Australia's round of 16 match. Strikes from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi stuck the blows against Goodwin's side.

Goodwin was again selected in Graham Arnold's squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, which was moved to 2024. Goodwin played a practice match against Bahrain[28] and also played in Australia's opening match of the tournament against India, but was substituted off in both matches since he was carrying a minor injury. Goodwin returned to the field as a substitute in the Round of 16 match against Indonesia and scored a goal and assisted Harry Souttar in an impressive performance off the bench.[29] Goodwin scored the opening goal of the quarter-final against South Korea, but the Socceroos were knocked out of the tournament in extra time.[30] Goodwin's two goals of the tournament equaled the tallies of teammates Jackson Irvine and Martin Boyle and he was rewarded with an exclusive selection in the Team of the Tournament.[31]

Career statistics

Club

As of 30 January 2024 [32]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Melbourne Heart 2011-2012 A-League 4 0 – – 4 0
Newcastle Jets 2012-2013 25 3 – – 25 3
2013-2014 19 2 1 0 – 20 2
Total 44 5 1 0 – 45 5
Adelaide United 2014-2015 A-League 29 6 1 0 – 30 6
2015-2016 26 4 2 0 1 0 29 4
Total 55 10 3 0 1 0 59 10
Sparta Rotterdam 2016-2017 Eredivisie 27 4 3 0 - 30 4
2017-2018 20 2 1 0 - 21 2
Total 47 6 4 0 - 51 6
Adelaide United 2018-2019 A-League 29 10 4 5 - 33 15
Al-Wehda 2019-2020 Saudi Pro League 29 4 4 1 - 33 5
Abha (loan) 2020-2021 16 2 2 0 - 18 2
Adelaide United (loan) 2020-2021 A-League 18 8 - - 18 8
Adelaide United 2021-2022 27 10 1 1 - 28 11
2022-2023 28 15 2 1 - 30 16
Total 55 25 3 2 - 58 27
Al-Wehda 2023-2024 Saudi Pro League 14 6 2 0 - 16 6
Career total 311 76 23 8 1 0 335 84

International

As of 2 February 2024[33]
National team Year Apps Goals
Australia 2013 2 0
2016 1 0
2019 2 0
2022 9 2
2023 6 0
2024 4 2
Total 24 4
List of international goals scored by Craig Goodwin
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 January 2022 Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia  Vietnam 3–0 4–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 22 November 2022 Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar  France 1–0 1–4 2022 FIFA World Cup
3 28 January 2024 Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar  Indonesia 3–0 4–0 2023 AFC Asian Cup
4 2 February 2024 Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar  South Korea 1–0 1–2 (a.e.t.) 2023 AFC Asian Cup

Honours

Adelaide United

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b c "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™: List of Players: Australia" (PDF). FIFA. 15 November 2022. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  2. ^ Aloisi Boys Heart In Coaching The Advertiser[dead link]
  3. ^ "A-League Match Center". www.footballaustralia.com.au. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Jets secure Neville and Goodwin - Newcastle Jets FC 2013". www.footballaustralia.com.au. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013.
  5. ^ "Goodwin trains with Royals". Reading FC. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Goodwin returns home to Adelaide". FourFourTwo. 7 September 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  7. ^ Migliaccio, Val (5 May 2016). "Goodwin signs for Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam". The Advertiser.
  8. ^ Huguenin, Michael; Bellemore, Damien (8 August 2016). "Aussies Abroad: Luongo, Jones shine in season-openers". Goal.com.
  9. ^ Surlis, Patrick (13 August 2016). "Eredivisie round-up: Ajax held by Roda JC in four-goal thriller". Sky Sports.
  10. ^ "Roda hit back to deny Ajax". Sporting Life. 13 August 2016. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  11. ^ Somerford, Ben (1 May 2018). "Socceroo Craig Goodwin searching for new club". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  12. ^ "Goodwin returns home to Reds". Adelaide United. 25 May 2018.
  13. ^ Radbourne-Pugh, Lucas (25 May 2018). "Socceroo returns to Adelaide". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 25 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  14. ^ Gatt, Ray (30 October 2018). "FFA Cup final: Craig Goodwin strikes gold for Reds". The Australian.
  15. ^ "Adelaidenow.com.au | Subscribe to The Advertiser for exclusive stories". The Advertiser. Adelaide. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  16. ^ السعودي, نادي الوحدة (16 July 2019). "ادارة نادي #الوحدة توقع مع اللاعب الأسترالي كرايج قودوين قادمًا من نادي ادلايد الأسترالي .pic.twitter.com/rnMlfGz0OI". @alwehdaclub1 (in Arabic). Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  17. ^ Lennon, Ben (10 February 2021). "Reds fan favourite Goodwin glad to be home". The Inner Sanctum. Archived from the original on 10 February 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  18. ^ Larkin, Steve (8 February 2021). "Goodwin returns to Adelaide in A-League". The West Australian. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  19. ^ "GOODWIN EXTENDS LOAN STAY WITH REDS". Adelaide United. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  20. ^ "REDS AND GOODWIN AGREE DEAL UNTIL 2025". Adelaide United. 21 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Goodwin bound for Saudi Pro League after agreement reached". 8 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Instagram".
  23. ^ "Vidmar names U23s squad to face Iraq @ Football Australia 2011". Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
  24. ^ "Goodwin makes debut as Socceroos lose 3–2". Newcastle Jets FC. 27 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  25. ^ "Australia 3–4 China PR" (PDF). EAFF. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  26. ^ Matthew Comito (27 January 2022). "Goodwin explains touching 'tribute' for first Oz goal". Keepup. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  27. ^ "SOCCEROOS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™". Socceroos. 8 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  28. ^ Gibson, Tim (7 January 2024). "Goodwin praises Socceroos patience in Bahrain win". Socceroos.
  29. ^ "Socceroos vs Indonesia, Asian Cup 2023: Craig Goodwin's epic cameo sends message to Graham Arnold". Fox Sports. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  30. ^ Smyth, Rob (3 February 2024). "Australia 1-2 South Korea (aet): Asian Cup quarter-final – as it happened". The Guardian.
  31. ^ "Asian Cup Team of the Tournament: Afif, Al-Taamari star". ESPN Australia. 12 February 2024.
  32. ^ "Craig Goodwin - Stats and titles". Footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Craig Goodwin - Stats and titles". Footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  34. ^ "PFA reveals player-voted Austraffic A-League Men Team of the Season on eve of Grand Final". Professional Footballers Australia. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  35. ^ Larkin, Steve (29 May 2023). "City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season". Narromine News. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  36. ^ Dorman, Matt (30 October 2018). "Two-goal Adelaide hero Goodwin 'ecstatic' after fairytale FFA Cup Final 2018". FFA Cup. Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  37. ^ Harrington, Anna (20 May 2022). "ALM young guns get shot against Barcelona". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  38. ^ "Team of the Tournament". Instagram.com. AFC Asian Cup. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.

External links

Al-Wehda – current squad
Australia squads
Awards
Categories