Paul Okon-Engstler


Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler is a professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Sydney FC in the A-League Men. Born in Belgium, he represents the [Australia men's national association football|soccer team|Australia national team].

Club career

Born in Belgium while his father, former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon was playing for Belgian Pro League club K.V. Oostende, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia in 2006 when his father signed for the Newcastle Jets. He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers. In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.
While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts from Benfica, despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament. He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.
In July 2025, Okon-Engstler signed for A-League Men side Sydney FC on a three-year deal.

International career

Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Belgium through birth, Australia through his father, and Italy through his mother. He holds Italian citizenship.
In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature.
He made his debut for the Australia under-23 team during the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament.
In June 2025, Okon was called up for the Socceroos squad for qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Style of play

A composed, left-footed defensive midfielder, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.

Honours

Australia U-23
Australia U-20