Anthony Pantazopoulos
Australian football player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anthony Pantazopoulos (Greek: Άντονι Πανταζόπουλος, pronounced [pan.taˈzo.pu.los];[2] born 22 April 2003) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a central defender for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Anthony Pantazopolous | ||
| Date of birth | 22 April 2003[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Australia | ||
| Position | Central defender | ||
| 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 | 40 | (3) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2025– | Australia U23 | 4 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 31 January 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 10 September 2025 | |||
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]