Awer Mabil has dismissed Pauline Hanson’s assertion that the Socceroos represent a monocultural Australia, branding the suggestion “bullshit” upon his return from the World Cup.
The winger arrived back in Australia on Monday following the Socceroos’ elimination from the tournament, where they fell 4-2 on penalties to Egypt in the last 32. Speaking to reporters at Adelaide airport, Mabil rejected recent political claims that Australia is not a multicultural society.
“It’s just all bullshit,” he said. “We know what we represent. We represent Australia at the biggest stage, and Australia… is the best country in the world, and the Socceroos is the best representation of that.”
His comments respond to remarks by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who told the National Press Club in June that multiculturalism had failed in Australia before suggesting the national team somehow embodied her vision of a “monocultural Australia.” The Socceroos had previously released a video message during the tournament embracing their varied heritage and migrant roots.
Reflection of modern Australia
Midfielder Jackson Irvine also emphasised the team’s diversity, stating: “The Socceroos aren’t just a team, we are a reflection of modern Australia.”
Mabil, who was named Young Australian of the Year in 2023 for his charity work providing health and education opportunities to refugee communities, argued that attempts to divide the team contradict Australian values. “If anybody’s trying to divide that, then they’re probably not Australian themselves, in a sense, respectfully. Because Australia is very inclusive, includes everybody. That’s what the Socceroos is,” he said.
From refugee camp to international stage
Born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, Mabil migrated to Australia as a child before later becoming an Australian citizen. His journey from refugee to international footballer and youth advocate has made him a prominent voice on multiculturalism in Australian sport.
He stressed that diversity brings strength rather than division to the national team. “You don’t pick where you’re born, you don’t pick the colour of your skin, you pick to be a good human being. That’s a choice,” he said. “Some people, they choose to go against being good, then that’s their own problem. Then they’re missing out on what others can bring, and that’s what multicultural does. It brings other flavours to the table instead of just one thing.”
The Socceroos’ campaign ended in the round of 32 after the penalty shootout defeat to Egypt.