Mustafa Amini

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Amini and the second or maternal family name is Castillo.

Mustafa Amini
Amini with Borussia Dortmund in 2012
Personal information
Full name Mohammad Mustafa Amini Castillo
Date of birth (1993-04-20) 20 April 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Sydney, Australia
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[1]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Youth career
2004–2008 Blacktown City
2009–2010 AIS
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2011 Central Coast Mariners 23 (1)
2011–2015 Borussia Dortmund 0 (0)
2011–2012 → Central Coast Mariners (loan) 18 (2)
2012–2015 Borussia Dortmund II 57 (3)
2015–2016 Randers FC 29 (0)
2016–2020 AGF 119 (10)
2021 Apollon Limassol 0 (0)
2021 → PAEEK (loan) 0 (0)
2022 Sydney FC 17 (1)
2022–2024 Perth Glory 36 (2)
International career‡
2009 Australia U17 2 (0)
2010–2013 Australia U20 23 (3)
2011–2016 Australia U23 18 (4)
2017–2019 Australia 8 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 28 December 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20 November 2024

Mohammad Mustafa Amini Castillo (Dari: محمد مصطفی امينى كاستيلو, born 20 April 1993), known as Mustafa Amini, is an Australian professional soccer player who is currently a free agent, having most recently played for Perth Glory. He has been capped by the Australian national team.

Born in Sydney, Amini played youth football with the Australian Institute of Sport before starting his professional career with Central Coast Mariners in the A-League. In 2011, Amini signed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. After playing only for their second team, he transferred in 2015 to Randers FC.

Amini has appeared numerous times for the Australian U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams. He took part in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Early life

Born in Sydney, Australia to an Afghan father[2][3] and a Nicaraguan mother,[4] Amini grew up in the Western Sydney area. He attended Wentworthville Public School and Westfields Sports High School until moving to Lake Ginninderra College in the ACT while playing for the AIS, earning his Year 12 certificate in March 2010.

Amini wears a distinctive 'afro' haircut and is fluent in Dari and Spanish.[5]

Playing career

Club career

Central Coast Mariners

Amini playing for the AIS

Amini played for Blacktown City before being signed to an AIS scholarship. He was signed by the Central Coast Mariners on a two-year contract in the A-League.[5][6] Amini made his debut for the senior team in a friendly against fellow Gosford club Central Coast Lightning which the Mariners won 7–1.[7] Amini made his official A-League debut for the Mariners in a match against Brisbane Roar on 20 October 2010. His first goal came in a 3–1 away win against Gold Coast United on 9 February 2011.

Amini's excellent form throughout the 2010–11 A-League season attracted major interest from overseas clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Subsequently it was announced that Amini was to spend two weeks on trial with Borussia Dortmund in preparation for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in July with a view of signing a long term deal with the Bundesliga club.[8][9] Only days into his trial Borussia Dortmund publicly announced that the youngster had caught the eye of first team manager Jürgen Klopp stating that "he can definitely play football and is a really great talent."[10]

Borussia Dortmund

On 4 July 2011, it was announced that he had signed with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract. However, Amini would initially be loaned to Central Coast Mariners until 31 May 2012, making him eligible to play for the club during the 2011–12 A-League season as well as the group stage of the Asian Champions League. He played outstandingly well as Central Coast marched to the quarter-finals.[11]

On 11 July 2012, Amini made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in a friendly against SV Meppen, scoring a goal in the 63rd minute en route a 2–1 victory for Dortmund.[12] Amini scored his first goal for the second team in a game against MSV Duisburg on matchday 7 of the 2013–14 3. Liga season.

In March 2015, Amini announced, that he would leave the club when his contract expired in June, after playing there for three years.[13]

Randers FC

Amini signed a three-year deal with Danish Superliga club Randers FC in June 2015.[14] He scored the opening goal in the club's 3–0 UEFA Europa League qualifying second leg win over Sant Julià.[15]

AGF

In June 2016, Amini moved to Superliga side AGF on a four-year deal.[16] Amini enjoyed a good debut for AGF, with a goal and an assist in a 2–1 win away at SønderjyskE in the Superliga on 17 July 2016.[17]

Cyprus

In June 2021, Amini joined Cypriot First Division side Apollon Limassol on a two-year deal.[18] In September 2021, Amini was loaned out to fellow First Division club PAEEK.[18] In December 2021, he mutually terminated his contract with Apollon Limassol and left both Cypriot clubs.[19]

Sydney FC

On 24 December 2021, Amini signed a six-month deal with A-League Men club Sydney FC as an injury replacement for Luke Brattan.[20]

Perth Glory

On 10 June 2022, Amini signed a three-year deal with A-League Men club Perth Glory.[21] Amini was announced just hours after the club released a statement advising members and fans that former Glory skipper, Brandon O'Neill had his request granted for an early release from his deal.

Amini was named Perth Glory team captain on 6 October 2022 ahead of the 2022–23 A-League Men season.[22]

Having not made an appearance in the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury, Amini's contract with Perth was terminated on 28 December 2024, ahead of the January transfer window.[23] Two days following Amini's contract termination Players Football Australia (PFA) announced they would "initiate legal proceedings" against Perth Glory for Amini's alleged illegal contract termination.[24]

International career

Amini training with the Australia national under-23 association football team in 2011.

Youth

Amini was first selected for Australia under-17 to play Turkey in a two-match series in April 2009 in Turkey.[25] He made his Joeys debut in the first match of the series, a 1–0 loss, starting the match as a defender, but moving into midfield in the second half before being substituted late in the game.[26] He also played a full match in the second leg, a 2–1 defeat.[27]

Amini was selected to play for Australia U-20 in a four-match tour of South America against the Argentina U-20 and Paraguay U-20 teams from 3–19 April. He was then selected for the Australia U-20 again for the 2010 AFF U-19 Youth Championship. Amini scored his first goal for the Australia U-20 in the 2010 AFF U-19 Youth Championship in a 4–1 win over Vietnam U-20.

Senior

On 23 March 2011, after impressing on trial at Borussia Dortmund, Amini was called up to the Australian national side training camp by Head Coach Holger Osieck which was being held in Germany.[10]

Amini was named among the 43 players squad to represent Afghanistan for 2014 AFC Challenge Cup preparations camp in Qatar, but he refused the call saying "I only want to play for Australia if I get the chance".[28]

Amini was called-up to Australia's senior squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2017.[29] He debuted on 28 March 2017 against the United Arab Emirates at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, when subbed on in the 87th minute.[30]

20 November 2018, Amini made his first starting appearance for Australia at Stadium Australia, Sydney in a friendly match against Lebanon in front of a crowd of 33,268 people.[31] Amini played 74 minutes before being replaced by debutant James Jeggo with Australia three goals in the lead at the time.[32] Australia went on to win the match 3–0.[33]

Career statistics

Club

As of 9 December 2023[34][35]
Club Season League National Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Central Coast Mariners 2010–11 A-League 23 1 0 0 0 0 – 23 1
2011–12 18 2 0 0 4[a] 1 – 22 3
Total 41 3 0 0 4 1 – 45 4
Borussia Dortmund II 2012–13 3. Liga 14 0 – – – 14 0
2013–14 15 1 – – – 15 1
2014–15 28 2 – – – 28 2
Total 57 3 – – – 57 3
Randers FC 2015–16 Danish Superliga 29 0 3 0 4[b] 1 – 36 1
AGF 2016–17 Danish Superliga 32 5 2 0 – 4[c] 0 38 5
2017–18 31 1 1 0 – 1[d] 0 33 1
2018–19 31 2 2 2 – – 33 4
2019–20 16 2 0 0 – – 16 2
2020–21 0 0 0 0 – – 16 2
Total 110 10 5 2 – 5 0 120 12
Apollon Limassol 2021–22 Cypriot First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0
PAEEK (loan) 2021–22 Cypriot First Division 0 0 0 0 – – 0 0
Sydney FC 2021–22 A-League Men 17 1 0 0 7 0 – 24 1
Perth Glory 2022–23 A-League Men 19 0 0 0 – – 19 0
2023–24 1 0 0 0 – – 1 0
Total 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
Career total 274 17 8 2 15 2 5 0 302 21
  1. ^ Appearances in AFC Champions League
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Appearances in Danish Superliga relegation play-offs
  4. ^ Appearance in Danish Superliga Europa League play-off

International

Statistics accurate as of match played 15 October 2019.
Australia
Year Apps Goals
2017 2 0
2018 3 0
2019 3 0
Total 8 0

Honours

Central Coast Mariners

Australia U19

See also

References

  1. ^ "Mustafa Amini". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  2. ^ Sherwin, Neil (16 November 2010). "One 2 Watch: Mustafa Amini". backpagefootball.com. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  3. ^ "Newcastle line up trial for 17-year-old Aussie whizzkid". nufcblog.co.uk. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  4. ^ Jarquín Soto, Francisco (1 August 2011). "Un nica en la liga grande del fútbol" [A Nicaraguan in the big league football] (in Spanish). elnuevodiario.com.ni. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  5. ^ a b Kogoy, Peter (13 January 2010). "Mariners snare teen with a dream". The Australian. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
  6. ^ "Mariners Snap Up 16 Year Old". FourFourTwo Australia. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2010.
  7. ^ "Mariners In Seventh Heaven". FourFourTwo Australia. 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 September 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2010.
  8. ^ "Amini bound for Europe". theworldgame.sbs.com.au. 13 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  9. ^ "Amini to trial in Germany". theworldgame.sbs.com.au. 17 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  10. ^ a b Ormond, Aidan (23 March 2011). "Amini's Holger Call-Up". au.fourfourtwo.com. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  11. ^ "Musti Bundesliga bound with BVB". ccmariners.com.au. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011.
  12. ^ "Hofmanns Traumtor: BVB siegt 2:1 in Meppen" (in German). ruhrnachrichten.de. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  13. ^ "Amini headed for Dortmund exit door". theworldgame.sbs.com.au. 20 March 2015.
  14. ^ "Amini signs with Randers". FourFourTwo. 12 June 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  15. ^ Lewis, Dave (10 July 2015). "Goalscorer Amini revels in Randers win". The World Game. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  16. ^ Lewis, Dave (23 June 2016). "Amini leaves Randers for Danish rival AGF Aarhus". The World Game. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  17. ^ Somerford, Ben (17 July 2016). "Amini's dream AGF debut". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  18. ^ a b Paquette, Catherine (26 September 2021). "Socceroo loaned to Cypriot club". Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  19. ^ Paquette, Catherine (22 December 2021). "Socceroo leaves Cypriot club". FTBL.
  20. ^ "Sydney FC Sign Socceroos Midfielder Mustafa Amini". Sydney FC. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  21. ^ "Glory swoop for Socceroo Amini". Perth Glory. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  22. ^ Morgan, Gareth (6 October 2022). "Amini named Glory skipper for 2022/23 Season". Perth Glory FC. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  23. ^ "Glory cut ties with Mustafa Amini amid December cull". Lismore City News. 28 December 2024.
  24. ^ "'Abusive practices': Amini to fight Glory sacking". ESPN.com. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
  25. ^ "ANZAC significance for Qantas Joeys". Football Federation Australia. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  26. ^ "Joeys sunk by substitute". The World Game. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  27. ^ "Qantas Joeys lose to last minute goal by Turkey". Football Federation Australia. 28 April 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  28. ^ "BVB Dortmund's Mustafa Amini says no to Afghanistan". Sports.af. 25 January 2014. Archived from the original on 27 January 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  29. ^ Somerford, Ben (16 March 2017). "New Roo Amini has point to prove". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 30 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  30. ^ "Australia's World Cup hopes still alive with UAE victory". The West Australian. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  31. ^ Warren, Adrian (20 November 2018). "Boyle stars for Socceroos in 3-0 win". The West Australian. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  32. ^ "Australia vs. Lebanon - Football Match Commentary - November 20, 2018 - ESPN". ESPN. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  33. ^ Hytner, Mike (20 November 2018). "Martin Boyle states Socceroos case with brace as Tim Cahill bids farewell". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  34. ^ "M. Amini". Soccerway. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  35. ^ "Amini, Mustafa". kicker.de (in German). Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  36. ^ "Unfair to compare Amini to Kagawa". Sportal. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2016.[dead link‍]
  37. ^ "Babalj Helps Young Socceroos Clinch AFF U-19 Championship". Melbourne City FC. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2016.