Anthony Pantazopoulos

Anthony Pantazopolous
Personal information
Full name Anthony Pantazopolous
Date of birth (2003-04-22) 22 April 2003[1]
Place of birth Melbourne, Australia
Position Centre back
Team information
Current team
 Western Sydney Wanderers
Number 22
Youth career
Brunswick City
Oakleigh Cannons
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2020 Brunswick City 1 (0)
2021–2023 Oakleigh Cannons 52 (4)
2023– Western Sydney Wanderers 30 (3)
International career‡
2025– Australia U23 4 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 27 November 2025
‡ National team caps and goals as of 10 September 2025

Anthony Pantazopoulos (Greek: Άντονι Πανταζόπουλος, pronounced [pan.taˈzo.pu.los];[2] born 22 April 2003) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a centre back for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.

Career

Oakleigh Cannons

Pantazopolous spent 11 years as a youth player at Brunswick City[3] being inspired by his father, who was a player for Port Melbourne SC.[4] Pantazopolous started his senior career at Oakleigh Cannons, with his debut coming in 2021. He primarily played as a left back due to his athleticism.[5]

Western Sydney Wanderers

Pantazopolous joined Western Sydney Wanderers on 5 July 2023 from Oakleigh Cannons, where he had won the Victorian National Premier League and Community Shield.[6] Pantazopolous was handed his debut by Marko Rudan on the 3rd November, 2023 against Western United in a 5–0 win,[7] alongside fellow recent recruits Dylan Scicluna and Oscar Priestman, replacing captain Marcelo.[8] He made 26 appearances in the 2024–25 A-League season, scoring two goals. He impressed in his debut season, particularly with his ball-striking and physical attributes and has been praised by commentators such as Andy Harper and his team-mates, specifically Juan Mata, being compared to former Socceroo, Sasa Ognenovski.[9]

He extended his contract for a further two years on 7 March 2025, with the club stating that the new contract was, "Marking a breakout campaign where he showcased his composure, versatility, and defensive strength."[10][11]

International career

In March 2025, Pantazopolous was called up to the Australia men's national under-23 soccer team by Tony Vidmar[12] for the Doha International U23 Cup,[13][14] where the team ended the tournament unbeaten.[15] He was further called up in May 2025 for international friendly matches against South Korea.[16]

References

  1. ^ Anthony Pantazopoulos at Soccerway. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  2. ^ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPyDwrxiaCT/?igsh=dXQ0a2R3cjRkem1t
  3. ^ "Victorians in the A-League | Football Victoria". footballvictoria.com.au. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  4. ^ Alepidis, Marianna (5 May 2021). "Q&A with Cannons' fresh face Anthony Pantazopoulos". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  5. ^ Deliyannis, James (23 June 2023). "Meet NPL's Rising Star Anthony Pantazopoulos". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Anthony Pantazopoulos". Western Sydney Wanderers.
  7. ^ "Western Sydney 5-0 Western Utd (Oct 28, 2023) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  8. ^ jcsaszar (2 November 2023). "Promising talents make A-Leagues debut". Western Sydney Wanderers. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  9. ^ sachapisani (10 April 2025). "Outrageous origin story of the Wanderers 'weapon' that stunned Juan Mata". A-Leagues. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  10. ^ jcsaszar (7 March 2025). "Pantazopoulos extends with Wanderers". Western Sydney Wanderers. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  11. ^ matthewcomito (7 March 2025). "Young Wanderers defender signs multi-year contract extension amid breakout season". A-Leagues. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Anthony Pantazopoulos named on Subway Australian U-23 squad for Doha International". 12 March 2025.
  13. ^ "Subway Australian U-23 squad named for Doha International Cup | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  14. ^ sachapisani (11 March 2025). "Isuzu UTE A-League young guns dominate Australia's U23 squad for Doha International Cup". A-Leagues. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  15. ^ sachapisani (25 March 2025). "A-Leagues duo help Olyroos end U23 international tournament unbeaten". A-Leagues. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  16. ^ sachapisani (23 May 2025). "19 A-Leagues stars selected by Australia U23s for Korean friendlies, incl. breakout Roar talent". A-Leagues. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
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