Brighton’s Cameron Peupion first from Sydney FC Academy to make pro debut for Premier League club

This young Sydney footballer has just made history in the UK with a professional debut for a Premier League club - but while he had “X-factor’’ he wasn’t always the best player around.

From an early age Cameron Peupion knew what he wanted to do and he has just realised it while still in his teens with a professional debut for a Premier League club in the UK.

The northern beaches footballer came on for Brighton in the second round EFL Cup against Forest Green with the young Australian off the bench in the 80th minute and making an assist in his club’s 3-0 win.

In doing so the former Pittwater House student from Curl Curl has became the first Sydney Academy graduate to represent a Premier League club in a first team game with his old coach thrilled for the teenager.

But Sydney FC Academy coach Jimmy Van Weeren said there was a time when Peupion, who also played for the Wakehurst Tigers as a junior, struggled to be the best due to his size.

Van Weeren first saw Peupion as a talented nine-year-old at Manly United juniors.

Cameron Peupion of Australia playing against Nigeria at the FIFA U17 Men's World Cup Brazil in 2019.

“It’s fantastic for him. I’ve known him a long time, I worked with him at Manly when he was about nine,’’ Van Weeran said.

“He didn’t stand out right from the start. When he first came to Sydney FC he was a small boy in the 15s, 16s.

Cameron Peupion and his old coach at Sydney FC.

“You could see he had dribbling and good scoring ability when young and you always persevere with the boys with the X-factor.

“For me personally, and the collective group of staff we have at the club, we’re just so pleased he’s gone to a new level.

“He’s a first player to graduate and play with the premier club.’’

Peupion came to the attention of Brighton with a stellar under 17 World Cup for Australia.

“He got on the world stage and made a real impact,” Van Weeran said.

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