Australian international Tim Cahill has announced his retirement from international football, with the veteran striker announcing his decision via Twitter and Instagram this morning.
The 38-year-old enjoyed an illustrious career with the Socceroos, making 107 appearances for his country over 15 years and scoring 50 goals in the green and gold.
Those tallies make him Australia’s highest ever international scorer, while also leaving him just two behind Mark Schwarzer as the caps record-holder.
He remained a fan favourite right up until the end, with many fans voicing their displeasure at him not being brought onto the field during the Socceroos’ first two World Cup matches in Russia.
He was brought on late in Australia’s final match, a loss to Peru, but was unable to add to his tally of strikes.
In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Cahill said he felt it was “the right time to call it a day”, thanking his parents, wife and kids for their support and sacrifices made so he could continue playing.
Calling the Socceroos jersey a “medal of honour”, Cahill claimed he’d treated every game like it would be his last, crediting that mentality for his ability to fight for a spot in the squad.
“We are so lucky to have such passionate supporters and there is no feeling like walking out on the pitch and seeing (and hearing!) so many in green and gold,” he said.
Making his debut in 2004, the then-24-year-old scored seven times in his first five matches for his country. He will forever be remembered as the man who scored Australia’s first ever World Cup goal, with his double against Japan securing a since-immortalised 3-1 victory.
He added to his World Cup tally with one goal in 2010 (in Australia’s lone 2-1 win over Serbia), before scoring twice in 2014 – including a famous strike against the Netherlands.
The best year of his career arguably came in 2015. He was Australia’s top scorer in the 2015 Asian Cup triumph with three goals, helping him finish with a career-high of nine that year.
The last goal he scored for the Socceroos was an extra-time winner against Syria – his second of the match – to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Cahill, while not currently signed to a club, still reportedly plans to play league football.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Yes, that goal against the Netherlands would have to go down as one of the great world cup goals, not just for an Aussie, but all-time. It was an awesome goal.
Cool and Cold
Guest
He is the best because cannot remember any controversy.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Well done, Timmy. You gave us some amazing memories. I would have loved to see you jag a goal at a fourth World Cup and join some all-time legends of the game, but at least you got to pull on the WC jersey one last time vs Peru. All the best.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Congrats Timmy on a wonderful Socceroos career, right up there as one of our best if not the best. You split blood, sweat and tears for the jersey and are a great example for all aspiring Socceroos. Bloody Legend !!
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Agree 100%
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Goals against japan and holland brought tears of joy for me Also got us out of jail against China in the Asian Cup . Amazing career A legend of Australian sport
Daniel Jeffrey
Editor
Played strong, done good. That's a mighty fine career from Timmy. Don't think any Socceroos fan will ever forget his goals against Japan or that strike against the Netherlands.
Sydneysider
Guest
One of the greats of Australian sport. Competing on the international stage his goals will never be forgotten.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
To do this it would probably be easier to start with the Australian 2006 World Cup team and add/replace a handful of players.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Those WC goals. That goal against the Netherlands. Thanks for the fantastic memories. Certified Australian sporting legend.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Interesting question Jason, who would be the coach? Would there be any players from the current team in? Good conversation starter Jason!
Bondy
Guest
A true legend of the game in Australia and Internationally .
Jason Cave
Guest
In light of the news of Tim Cahill's retirement from international football, if you were to pick an all-time Socceroos team, even though Cahill will be in the lineup, who else would make the team?
jamesb
Guest
Well done Timmy. Done good.
Redondo
Guest
He was a very good footballer but his mental strength was exceptional - unbelievable focus and will to succeed. Perhaps the FFA should enlist him to find the next Tim Cahill.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Inspiration! Scored some pivotal goals for the national team.
clipper
Guest
A true legend of Australian sport, to play in a WC at 38 was a great achievement.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It was always going to come. I suppose you could have him as a chance for the Asian Cup since it's only 6 months away, but really that was always unlikely. Definitely time to hang up the boots. He will forever go down as one of the all-time greats of Australian football.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Australian legend, so many unforgettable moments. Thanks Tim and give that man a statue.
chris
Guest
Thanks for the memories Tim.