Steve Corica Honoured as A-League Coach of the Decade

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica has been recognised for his significant impact on Australian football by being selected as the coach of the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Decade for the period of 2015-2025. This accolade marks the second time Corica has been featured in a PFA Team of the Decade, having previously been named as a substitute in the team for 2005-2015 during his playing career with Sydney FC.

Corica joined Auckland FC in their inaugural season of 2024/25 and successfully led the team to secure the Premiers Plate. Before his tenure at Auckland FC, he managed Sydney FC from 2018, where he achieved notable success, including two A-League Premierships and one Championship.

Recognition from Peers and Players

The Team of the Decade was selected exclusively by members of the PFA, comprising both current and former A-League Men players. The team features a 4-3-3 formation, which includes a starting XI, seven substitutes, a coach, and a referee. Corica had a direct involvement with eight players who were ultimately chosen for this prestigious list.

“This is a really special award. I was a little surprised as there are some big names who have had incredible coaching careers over the past 10 years but I’m happy and honoured to be recognised in this way,” Corica stated. “I am grateful to everyone who voted for me and everyone I have worked with across my career; players, coaches, staff. I especially want to thank my family.”

Corica expressed his gratitude towards his family, acknowledging the challenges faced by those who support football careers. “It is not always easy for football families; they have to endure a lot, the highs and lows. But today is definitely a high,” he added.

Nick Becker, the Chief Executive Officer of Auckland FC, praised Corica’s achievements, stating he is “incredibly deserving” of this recognition. “He has had an incredible A-League career, consistently winning silverware as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Everyone at Auckland FC is phenomenally proud of him and his achievements,” Becker remarked.

Aiming for Global Ambitions

Looking ahead, Corica is eyeing opportunities beyond Australia. “I have ambitions at some stage to coach overseas as well. As a player, I wanted to play overseas and try against the best level you can, and as a coach, it’s no different for me. I’m quite ambitious, and after 20 years in the A-League, I think at some stage I’d like to try overseas and see what happens after that,” he noted.

The PFA A-League Team of the Decade for 2015-2025 features the following selections:

• Goalkeeper: Danny Vukovic
• Defenders: Scott Jamieson, Curtis Good, Alex Wilkinson (C), Rhyan Grant
• Midfielders: Luke Brattan, Diego Castro, Miloš Ninković
• Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Jamie Maclaren, Kosta Barbarouses
• Substitutes: Jamie Young (GK), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Aziz Behich, Anthony Caceres, Isaías, Bruno Fornaroli, Besart Berisha
• Coach: Steve Corica
• Referee: Alex King

Corica’s recognition underscores his enduring influence on the A-League and sets the stage for his potential future success on a global platform.