Move over Messi, Ronaldo, Bellingham, Salah, Haaland, and Mbappé!
They may be the names young football fans may immediately picture when thinking of the game’s biggest stars, but Australia has an equally compelling football story ready to be discovered.
The Goals That Changed Australia—Stories from the biggest stage on earth, written by sports journalist David Weiner, brings that story to life for a new generation, highlighting the moments, players, and events that have shaped Australian football’s legacy.
It is the first time Australia’s real-life football story, Matildas and Socceroos, has been brought together and told in one vibrant and compelling narrative.
From iconic moments like John Aloisi’s unforgettable penalty that secured the Socceroos’ place in the 2006 World Cup to Cortnee Vine’s nerve-wracking penalty that became a defining moment for the Matildas in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, The Goals That Changed Australia will inspire the next generation of fans, create new heroes and encourage those who want to explore the rich tapestry of Australia’s football history.
These milestones, among many others, testify to the resolve, spirit, pride, and passion that define Australia’s national football teams.
For young readers from upper primary, the book offers a dynamic and accessible lens through which they can experience the highs and lows of their national heroes, with each chapter evoking the excitement, heartache, and spirit of the green and gold.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan, new to the game, or a parent looking for something to read with your kids, The Goals That Changed Australia celebrates Australia’s football heritage—a story that transcends gender and culture and connects generations.
With an unbroken record of World Cup appearances for both the Matildas and Socceroos, it is a powerful reminder of Australia’s right to be considered significant players in this biggest of sporting global arenas and a call to the next generation to cheer for our Matildas and Socceroos with the same energy they bring to international stars.
The Goals That Changed Australia is available from December 2nd at all good bookstores, direct from the publisher, or online outlets such as Amazon as a paperback.
ENDS
Note to media: Media are invited to attend the launch of The Goals That Changed Australia—Stories from the biggest stage on earth at Gleebooks, Glebe, in Sydney on Monday December 2nd from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Key Facts:
“This is amazing. It brought back so many great memories. All kids should read this…”
John Aloisi
About us:
About David Weiner
David Weiner is an award-winning content leader who has devoted much of his 15-year career to football.
As editor of Fox Sports Football and Optus Sport and then Director of Content at the A-Leagues, he has built and led digital brands that passionately told Australian football stories across written editorial, audio, social, video, broadcast and original content formats. His first book, The Goals that Changed Australia, was encouraged and inspired by his seven-year-old football-fanatic son.
About Fair Play Publishing
Fair Play Publishing was established in 2018 by FIFA whistleblower and former football executive Bonita Mersiades, who is also the founder of the Football Writers’ Festival and the Manly Writers’ Festival. Fair Play Publishing has since published more than 70 books and is Australia's biggest publisher of non-fiction football books. Fair Play Publishing is the principal imprint dedicated to sports non-fiction. Other imprints are Popcorn Press (fiction) and Pepper Press (books about life).
Contact details:
For interviews: David Weiner, 0448 308 168
Further information: Bonita Mersiades, Fair Play Publishing, 0416 071 000
Review copies: Amy Mack, Fair Play Publishing, 02 7229 4889 or hello@fairplaypublishing.com.au .
