Fresh from helping the Newcastle Jets qualify for the Australia Cup Final, Alex Badolato is set to represent Australia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
It’s been a whirlwind 2025 for the young midfielder. In February, he sealed a loan move to Melbourne Victory, culminating in a Grand Final appearance. In March, he played an instrumental role in the Australian U-20 side that won the U-20 Asian Cup, eventually being awarded the Player of the Tournament for his performances.
In June, he would make the switch to the Newcastle Jets, scoring on debut vs Adelaide United in the Australia Cup. Now, he’s helped the club qualify for the Australia Cup final, adding two assists to go with his goal. Alex has also been named in the Australian team that will feature in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
“Making the World Cup squad is a dream come true and I am extremely excited to showcase myself against the worlds best.”
Said Badolato, 20.
“As a team we are going in as Asian Champions which fills us with confidence. We are going to go toe to toe with world powerhouses and we will have belief in ourselves that we can perform on a world stage. Personally I am willing to do whatever the team needs of me and hopefully contribute positively in the attacking third with goals and assists.”
Badolato has also been nominated for the AFC Youth Player of the Year Award. A win would mean he would be the first male Australian to win the award, and the second overall alongside Caitlin Foord.
“It’s a special feeling (to be nominated) that is a culmination of a lot of hard work over an extended period of time. It’s a great honour, but I also couldn’t have done it without the special group of staff and players that i have worked alongside through all national teams.”
Alex credits his move to the Jets for allowing him to stay sharp with consistent competitive minutes in the lead up to the U-20 World Cup.
“The move to the Newcastle Jets has been massive for me. The positive Australia Cup run has allowed me to get constant minutes and build my confidence leading into the World Cup, whilst also gelling with my new teammates in the run in to round one.”
Alex has thrived working under national team icon and current Newcastle Jets Coach Mark Milligan.
“To be coached by someone with the calibre and knowledge of Mark Milligan has helped me immensely, he’s given me insights into the game both on and off the pitch and I feel like I am learning so much off him about being a professional everyday.”
Alex has settled in to life in Newcastle both in terms of football and his personal life. He has embraced the Newcastle lifestyle, and hopes to perform for the team and city which has welcomed him with open arms.
“I’m absolutely loving life in Newcastle, the boys and staff members have welcomed me in amazingly. My girlfriend and I are feeling more and more at home here each day due to how amazing the city. I’ve been loving life each day both on and off the pitch.”
“My aims this season for the Jets are to be as ambitious as possible, most importantly I want as much team success as possible for the people of Newcastle who have welcomed me so graciously, hopefully starting with the boys doing the job in the cup this weekend. Personally I would like to be a prominent figure in a successful side and showcase my talents and hard work to the fan base and help the team to be as successful as we can.”
