While Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato may be the Socceroos’ standout talents, Lucas Herrington has emerged as a compelling figure during this World Cup. At just 18, he made history by becoming the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match when he took the field against Paraguay, earning him significant attention, including rumored interest from Barcelona. His impressive trajectory suggests that his next transfer could rival or exceed the Australian record set by Harry Souttar, who was sold to Leicester for £15 million (around A$26 million) in 2023.
Souttar’s comparison of Herrington to a luxury car brand underscores the young player’s remarkable poise. After the match against Paraguay, he remarked, “You wouldn’t think that’s his first World Cup game. The guy was absolutely composed, calm,”
Herrington’s club, Brisbane Roar, previously arranged a 20% sell-on clause with Colorado when they transferred him last year. However, the club’s owners opted to sell him for approximately A$500,000 before the World Cup, a move that could ultimately cost them millions. Connor Metcalfe succinctly stated, “You can see the guy’s like a Rolls-Royce.”
As the speculation around transfers and potential moves to Barcelona swirls, Herrington approaches it with the same level-headedness he exhibits on the pitch. Acknowledging that he has heard the rumors, he strives to maintain his focus on the tournament. “They’ll probably be kicking themselves.” he said. “I’m just trying to stay present and really enjoy this moment. It’s my first one, hopefully first of many, but it doesn’t come around very often,”
His contributions have been invaluable to the Socceroos during this World Cup. The critical 0-0 draw against Paraguay, in which he played a key role, ultimately secured Australia a place in the knockout stage. Unbeknownst to the players at the time, a 1-0 loss could have eliminated Australia and allowed Iran to advance.
Herrington’s ability to calmly distribute the ball and his physical presence in both aerial and ground duels, even as Paraguay targeted him early on, were instrumental in Australia’s advancement. His rise has been remarkable, transitioning from the A-League to facing global stars like Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min, culminating in a starting position for his national team.
Metcalfe praised Herrington’s composure, noting that it instills confidence in his teammates. “I’m really just trying to put my best forward and work hard, and we’ll see what comes after it.” he said. “Nothing really fazes him, he never looks nervous, I’m not nervous when he has the ball,”
Describing his unshakable calmness, Herrington stated, “Sometimes if a young player is playing, a lot of the other boys can be nervous they’re going to make a rash decision, but he is calm on the ball.”
His World Cup debut against Paraguay came later than many anticipated. Although he started both warm-up matches, coach Tony Popovic chose the more seasoned Cam Burgess for the fixtures against Turkey and the USA. Some were surprised when Jason Geria was called up instead of Herrington during the USA match.
In the lead-up to the Paraguay match, Popovic finally informed Herrington that he would get his opportunity. “I try to stay calm, I mean it’s not something that I work on. I think it might just come naturally, but I just believe in my abilities, believe in the team’s abilities and just play what’s in front of me.” he reflected.
“I was ready for all three games and I just wanted to be involved, so when I got the nod for the Paraguay game I was over the moon,”
Last week, a video surfaced showing a young Herrington at the Brisbane fan zone during the 2022 World Cup, further enriching his narrative. In the footage, the 14-year-old Herrington, sporting his unmistakable lanky frame and curly hair, is seen enjoying the match with friends.
“I let my parents know. Mum was a bit nervous but she was more excited than anything and I just wanted to really remember it as the proudest moment of my life and just really enjoy it.” Herrington expressed. “I’ve been supporting the Socceroos at the World Cup for as long as I can remember, so to be here is special and my mates back home are also supportive,”
Upon hearing Souttar’s compliments in a recent press conference, Herrington was pleased and was even offered a chance to choose a different luxury car brand to identify with. “It’s another one of those moments that I pinch myself, and just try and make everyone from where I’m back from just proud and give them someone to look at, [and show] that they can do it as well.” he affirmed. “No, I’m happy with Rolls-Royce,”
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