Socceroo Andrew Nabbout on overcoming adversity and the influence of his bodybuilder dad

Little more than two years ago, when he was let go by Melbourne Victory and then forced out of a politically fickle Malaysian side, Andrew Nabbout never stopped trying to revive his stagnating football career.

Socceroos striker Andrew Nabbout in action against Oman in last Sunday’s friendly. Picture: Getty Images

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He didn’t become The Big Nabbout by accident.

Little more than two years ago, when he was let go by Melbourne Victory and then forced out of a politically fickle Malaysian side, Andrew Nabbout never stopped trying to revive his stagnating football career.

When he was thrown a lifeline by Newcastle Jets, he set his sights on playing at the World Cup and quietly worked towards the seemingly lofty goal – until his form became so good there was nothing quiet about it at all.

And when he moved to Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds and played at said World Cup, only to dislocate his shoulder in Russia and need a reconstruction, he did twice the rehab work and recovered in half the time to ensure he made it to the Asian Cup.

“People might say, ‘oh, there’s a bit of luck because he was in the right place at the right time’,” Nabbout said.

Socceroos striker Andrew Nabbout in action against Oman in last Sunday’s friendly. Picture: Getty Images

“But I’ve always had that goal in the back of my mind, and I worked towards it. My mentality didn’t change, nothing wavered … I’ve achieved it.”

Resilience and determination is in the Socceroos forward’s blood, and a large part of why he’s poised to lead Australia’s attack against Jordan in Al Ain tonight.

It also helps when your dad is the former Mr Lebanon.

Nabbout’s father Milad twice won the national body building title in his native country before migrating to Australia.

The 26-year-old jokes he “doesn’t mess with” Milad who, while now in his 50s, is still considerably stronger than most other human beings.

Andrew Nabbout revived his career at the Newcastle Jets. Picture: Getty Images

But the gym background has helped his son’s focus on injury prevention and ensuring that, while he stays small enough to maintain his raw speed – one of his strengths – he’s carrying enough bulk for a physical contest.

“He’s very good, he always gives me tips and pointers on how to maintain condition,” Nabbout said.

“There’s certain aspects he would have learned that I may not get in a football environment.

“Even though my dad was a bodybuilder, he was an athlete when he was younger and I learned a lot from him in terms of lower body as well.

Andrew Nabbout in action for France at last year’s World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve seen a lot of unbelievable players finish in their mid-20s and late 20s just because they didn’t look after their bodies as well as they could have.

“It’s up to me now, I’m at the age where I’m working into my prime and I just have to make sure I’m in the best physical condition to be able to go.

“I got to the point where I was pretty big up top and then I just had to stop and lose it all because it wasn’t ideal for football.”

Andrew Nabbout after dislocating his shoulder against Denmark at the World Cup. Picture: AAP

Still, there’s evidence the added power has helped an attacking flair developed at the Jets that’s allowed the winger-cum-striker to slot seamlessly into Graham Arnold’s rotating front three.

“It’s always exciting when you’ve got boys up there alongside you to support you,” he said.

“Arnie’s made it very clear, we’re playing with almost three No.9s. We’re just going to play a really attacking style of football and that’s exciting for any attacker, to be given that freedom and the opportunity to constantly go forward. That’s what we play for.

“Sometimes you get isolated up top by yourself and there’s none of that here. We’ve got a lot of players who want to go forward and a lot of pace to burn. That’s what we’re going to do.”

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