Football Australia today acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding career of Mitch Duke, who has announced his retirement from international football after more than a decade representing Australia.
Duke, one of just 11 players to have scored for the Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup, retires from international duty after playing a pivotal role in the National Team's success both on and off the field.
Throughout his international career, Duke represented Australia on football's biggest stages, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Duke’s headed goal against Tunisia at Al Janoub Stadium delivered Australia’s first FIFA World Cup victory in 12 years and put the Socceroos in contention for a place in the knockout stage. He later featured in Australia’s 1-0 victory over Denmark, a result that secured progression to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
He also played a key role in helping the CommBank Socceroos secure a sixth straight FIFA World Cup qualification.
Quotes attributable to Mitch Duke:
"After a lot of reflection, the time has come for me to officially announce my retirement from international football.
"As a kid growing up in Australia, I dreamed of wearing the green and gold just once. To have gone on to represent my country 50 times is a dream come true 50 times over, and a privilege I never took for granted.
"While I will cherish every memory, scoring for Australia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains the absolute highlight of my career. It has been the greatest honour of my life to pull on the Socceroos jersey and represent our nation.
"Thank you to everyone for the support. I walk away forever grateful and forever proud."
Quotes attributable to CommBank Socceroos Head Coach, Tony Popovic:
“I’d like to congratulate Mitch Duke on an outstanding contribution to the Socceroos. Not many players reach the 50-cap milestone, and fewer have scored at a FIFA World Cup.
“Mitch played an important role in our most recent FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He started in my first match as Head Coach and scored our final qualifying goal against Saudi Arabia.
“He gave absolutely everything in his bid to help us reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At all times, he was a fantastic professional, and we wish him all the best.”
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kugeler:
"Mitch Duke embodied everything that Australians value in a footballer – resilience, determination, humility and an unwavering commitment to the team.
"He represented our country with distinction and played a significant role in some memorable moments for the CommBank Socceroos.
"Beyond his performances on the pitch, Mitch was a respected leader whose professionalism and character set an example for the next generation of Australian players.
"On behalf of Football Australia and the entire Australian football community, we thank Mitch for his service to the game and wish him and his family all the best and every success in the years ahead."
Born in Liverpool, New South Wales, on 18 January 1991, Duke began his football journey with Parramatta Eagles before launching his professional career with the Central Coast Mariners.
The striker went on to enjoy a successful career in Japan, representing clubs including Shimizu S-Pulse, Fagiano Okayama and most recently Machida Zelvia in the J1 League where he will continue to play.
Mitch Duke
Debut: 20 July 2013 v Korea Republic – Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea EAFF East Asian Cup Final Round 0-0 (D)
Socceroo number: 559
Caps: 50
Goals: 13
FIFA World Cup appearances: 4 (Qatar – 2022), scored v Tunisia 1-0 (W)
Olympics appearances:
22 July 2021 Argentina (Sapporo) Olympic Games 2-0 (W)
25 July 2021 Spain (Sapporo) Olympic Games 0-1 (L)
