South Sydney’s Blake Ricciuto takes on the world to live out football dreams abroad
Blake Ricciuto took a chance as an 18-year-old to follow his football dreams on the other side of the world. Now the South Sydney local has enjoyed a long career doing what he loves for a living.
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THE decision to fly halfway around the world to pursue a dream career at the age of 18 is a brave one filled with risk, but one that Blake Ricciuto would make every time.
The southern Sydney local took that chance, and it has since netted him the opportunity to play professionally on the world stage, including at his current club Tanjong Pagar United in Singapore.
It continues a football journey that started right here in Maroubra close to 25 years ago, with the local community continuing to rally behind his ventures.
“I started playing when I was four or five. My older brother Daniel was at Maroubra United and I always watched him play,” he said.
“I got signed up to Maroubra, and then played with Mascot and Pagewood, and at the age of 11 I started making some rep teams in the Eastern Suburbs.
“At about 15 I started realising I’m not such a bad footballer and wanted to take it a bit further.
“The eastern suburbs is a tight knit community. I feel the support every time I go back home. Sometimes it’s not the easiest being away from home, but everyone giving messages of support is a good feeling.”
Stints with Sydney Olympic and St George followed, where he played above his age in the U20s and ultimately made his NSW Super League debut at just 15.
The next logical path was to follow through into the A-League, but with little interest, that’s when Ricciuto made the biggest decision of his life.
“I was working at Westpac, a teammate’s mum was the boss, and I managed to save a bit of money,” he said.
“Dad was born in Uruguay and I wasn’t having much luck, but I believed I had what it takes, so I wanted to give it a crack there.
“At 18 I took my bag and boots, and wanted to try and play professionally.
“I had this ambition and confidence knowing I was good enough. Sometimes you go through doubts, but I just needed an opportunity.
“The hardest bit was the language barrier. Not speaking a word of Spanish, the coaches would tell you to do something and you would just have to copy other players.
“It was a risk, but even if the worst case scenario happened, I would’ve picked up a lot of experience.”
It paid off, with Ricciuto earning playing opportunities with Penarol and Canadian SC, almost helping the latter to reach the top division of the competition.
A return home followed, where his latest attempt to make the A-League was followed up with a stellar NPL journey, and a memorable moment courtesy of his trademark afro.
“I had a trial with Sydney FC and was unfortunate not to get a contact there,” he said.
“From then on I spent three years with Rockdale. I was named in the team of the year and won the player of the year award.
“Coming back to Rockdale after being in Uruguay was a good experience. They’re a good club with a strong supporter base.
“I feel like the NPL was a little undervalued. It’s played at a very good level and you can see the gap between that and the A-League is a lot less now.
“Playing in front of 6000 people against Sydney FC (in the FFA Cup) was a great experience. My family was there in the stands with afro wigs.”
The desire to play internationally still burned in the belly, leading to his next move to Asia, where he currently plays now.
“I still had that ambition to be a pro again and play full-time football,” he said.
“I was on trial in Brunei. They had 22 foreigners trial and could only pick three. We won the league in 2019 and during my time there I was named in the team of the year.
“In 2021 I signed for my current club and we’re currently fighting to get into the semis of the Cup competition.”
It’s allowed him to see the world and continue doing what he loves, all with the added pressures involved of being a foreign player.
“To this day I enjoy seeing different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures,” he said.
“Brunei was a great experience. The people were lovely and treated you very well. Even now in Singapore, it’s a different culture but I’ve adapted quite well.
“I’m very fortunate to be able to play the sport I love and travel the world. I’m very grateful.
“The pressure on all foreigners is a lot higher. We get given our own place and things like that. You have to stand out week in, week out.
“Not only on the pitch but off it. You have to be a leader and help the local players bring that extra 10 per cent. You know if you haven’t done well enough, you mightn’t have a contract.”
With this season close to over, the road ahead hasn’t been settled yet,
“At the end of the season I’ll weigh up my options,” he said.
“I’m open to making a move but at the same time I’m very happy here and doing quite well.”
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