Johnny Warren Medal winner Nicolas Milanovic chasing World Cup dream

The men’s A-League’s best player for the 2024-25 season is intent on showing he’s “good enough” to play for the Socceroos.

Having achieved his goal of being recognised as the A-League’s best player, Johnny Warren Medal winner Nicolas Milanovic has shifted his focus to becoming an entrenched member of the Socceroos squad by starring for his new club Aberdeen.

After a superb season for the Western Sydney Wanderers, Milanovic is in strong contention to be selected in Australia’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The 23-year-old attacking weapon is in the UAE at a national training camp, with Socceroos coach Tony Popovic to announce his squad on Sunday for next Thursday’s battle with Japan in Perth and the June 11 (AEST) clash with the Saudis in Jeddah.

Brandon Borrello never had a club teammate in a Subway #Socceroos training camp before.

Now he’s working alongside a couple of @wswanderersfc, while praising recently crowned Johnny Warren Medallist Nicolas Milanovic for adapting quickly to his new surroundings 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/kTz73ZO5ZY

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) May 28, 2025

“It’s just about trusting yourself and backing your own ability,” the uncapped Milanovic said.

“I’ve done that all season and had my doubters and tried to prove people wrong.

“Now, I’m with the big boys of Australia, with some great players here, and I want to put my best foot forward and show that I’m good enough to be here.

“That’s how I’m taking it. I’m training my hardest and seeing where I’m at and trusting in my ability to be in the team.

“I want to be at the World Cup. That’s a major goal of mine. That’s the No.1 long-term goal that I’ve had for a few years now, and I’m chipping away at it.”

Should the Socceroos qualify for next year’ FIFA World Cup, Milanovic will need to impress for Aberdeen after signing with the Scottish Premiership club earlier this month.

He had the chance to move overseas a year ago but felt he needed to further prove himself in the A-League.

“I wanted to be the best in the league before I went,” Milanovic said.

“I’m fortunate enough … to have had a great (Wanderers) squad this year to help me to do that and a coaching staff that allowed me to do what I wanted to do on the pitch and be the Johnny Warren (Medal) winner.

“I had a bit of doubt last year. I had had offers to go (overseas), but I was a bit hesitant … but this Aberdeen move, there wasn’t one hint of doubt in my head.

“It was the place I wanted to go, and I’m really happy I’ve done that.”

Brandon Borrello (left) and Nicolas Milanovic celebrate after a goal. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

An added bonus is that Aberdeen has also qualified for the UEFA Europa League after an upset Scottish Cup final win, via a penalty shootout, over Celtic.

“Watching that, it was a really good feeling because I’ll (now) be playing in (European competition) next season,” Milanovic squad.

“That was a huge goal of mine, and now it’s there, so I’m absolutely buzzing.”