Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler signs three-year deal with Sydney FC

The son of Socceroos great Paul Okon plans to ‘fast-track’ his career with A-League club Sydney FC.

FIFA World Cup hopeful Paul Okon-Engstler has joined Sydney FC from Portuguese club Benfica.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who was named in a senior Socceroos squad for the first time last month, has signed a three-season deal with the Sky Blues.

“Sydney FC is a fantastic, forward-thinking football club with a progressive football philosophy and strategy which really drew me in,” the son of Socceroos great Paul Okon said.

“It’s a special moment for me and my family. I’m coming here to win trophies and fast-track my career.”

Born in Belgium, Okon-Engstler has spent the past three years at Benfica, where he played for the club’s youth and reserve teams.

The former Marconi and Western Sydney Wanderers youth player had a leading role in Australia’s AFC Under-20 Asian Cup triumph earlier this year, and is set to be part of the Young Socceroos squad at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which starts in September in Chile.

Our first look at @paulokonjnr in Sky Blue 🤩#WeAreSydneypic.twitter.com/t2s4Kqvn4N

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) July 25, 2025

A strong season with the Sky Blues will also put Okon-Engstler in the selection frame for Australia’s squad at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay said Okon-Engstler was a “fantastic young talent with a huge future ahead of him”.

“Paul has excellent positional awareness, a real calmness in possession, and can break up play while also building from the back,” Talay said.

“He’s come through top systems, and we believe he’s ready to take the next step in his development here in Sydney.

“His potential is enormous, and we’re proud to play a role in his future both at club level and hopefully on the international stage.”
Okon-Engstler could make his Sky Blues debut on Tuesday night when the Sydneysiders travel to Ironbark Fields to meet Western United in an Australia Cup round-of-32 clash.

Originally published as Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler signs three-year deal with Sydney FC