Charbel Shamoon nets debut goal in Australian A-League
21-year-old Assyrian footballer Charbel Shamoon scored his debut A-League Mens goal for Perth Glory on their recent away win over Macarthur FC in Sydney - a late, decisive strike that sealed a 2-0 victory under their new coach.
Shamoon's journey to this moment has been built through representing both Iraq and Australia at youth level - debuting in the A-League with Western United, before signing a two year contract with Perth Glory earlier this year.
From Youth Ranks to A-League Debut
Born in 2004 in Syria, Shamoon spent his early football years in Australia, including time with youth clubs such as Melbourne City FC, before joining the academy of Western United FC.
In 2024, after impressing in the youth ranks and National Premier Leagues (NPL) side, he was rewarded with a senior squad inclusion at Western United and made his A-League Men debut in February 2024.
Following his initial breakthrough, Shamoon signed his first professional contract at Western United, cementing his place as a promising young defender.
Gee - How about this for your first A-Leagues goal 😲🎯 Charbel Shamoon, take a bow!
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) November 30, 2025
Top stuff from the full-back, who puts Perth on the brink of back-to-back wins for the first time since 2023!
Stream #MACvPER live now on Paramount+ 📺
Follow live: https://t.co/cLt7XqS0uv pic.twitter.com/yxCkBQn2sk
International Recognition – Choosing Iraq
Though eligible for Australia, Shamoon opted to represent Iraq at international level. He had previously featured for the Iraq under-20 national team, reaching the final of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in 2013, narrowly losing to Uzbekistan 1-0. Shamoon was called up to the Australian U23 Olympic squad, before committing to the Iraq national team, debuting against Palestine in March 2025, a 2-1 loss in Amman, Jordan.
In September 2025, after Western United’s club participation agreement was suspended, Shamoon signed a two-year deal with Perth Glory.
He adapted quickly. In just a few matches for his new club, he scored the goal that not only marked his first in the A-League, but also helped secure a vital away win.
Versatile and athletic, Shamoon can play on either flank as a full-back or wing-back, offering Perth flexible defensive options.
Charbel Shamoon stands out as a player with great potential to transition to a club in Europe. He joins other Assyrian footballers in the A-League such as former Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle Jets, and Central Coast Mariners player Mario Shabow, and Macarthur FC player Frans Deli, as one of three Assyrians having played in the Australian A-League.
