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Joe Gauci

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Joe Gauci
Joe Gauci playing for Aston Villa in 2024
Personal information
Full name Joe Anthony Gauci[1]
Date of birth (2000-07-04) July 4, 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Adelaide, Australia[2]
Height 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Aston Villa
Number 18
Youth career
Waiheke United
Cumberland United
2011–2015 FFSA NTC
2015–2017 Cumberland United
2018–2019 Central Coast Mariners
2019–2020 Melbourne City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 West Torrens Birkalla 31 (0)
2018–2019 Central Coast Mariners 0 (0)
2018–2019 CCM Academy 5 (0)
2019 Adelaide City 8 (0)
2019–2020 Melbourne City 0 (0)
2020–2024 Adelaide United 71 (0)
2021 Adelaide United NPL 2 (0)
2024– Aston Villa 0 (0)
International career‡
2022 Australia U23 5 (0)
2023– Australia 6 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 January 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 October 2024

Joe Anthony Gauci (born 4 July 2000) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Aston Villa and the Australia national team.[3]

Gauci's career began when he received a scholarship deal with Central Coast Mariners[4] and subsequently joined Adelaide City and Melbourne City before signing a scholarship contract with Adelaide United in 2020.[5] Gauci made his A-League debut in 2021.

Internationally, Gauci received his first call-up to the Australia national team in 2022 as a train-on player and made his debut in a friendly match against Ecuador in 2023.

Early life

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Gauci was born on 4 July 2000 in Adelaide, Australia to parents of Maltese descent.[6] At the age of four, Gauci moved to Waiheke Island, New Zealand after his mother was posted as a general manager for Kangaroo Island SeaLink.[7][8] While living in New Zealand, Gauci joined local club Waiheke United at youth level and, with his brother, traveled by ferry to Auckland where he started playing football as a striker.[8][9] Gauci began playing as a goalkeeper during a school football camp in New Zealand.[9][10][11]

Gauci moved back to Adelaide, aged 11, and joined Cumberland United after a successful trial.[9] During his time at the Clarence Gardens outfit, Gauci represented South Australia in an under-14s national competition held at Coffs Harbour.[10] Gauci eventually joined the National Training Centre program where he was coached by Carl Veart at the time.[9]

Club career

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Early career

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At 16 years old, Gauci caught the attention of scouts while captaining West Torrens Birkalla's under-18s in the National Premier Leagues (NPL). Gauci led his team to the title, triumphing over Adelaide City in the final.[9] In February 2018, Gauci went on trial with Central Coast Mariners. Although he was not offered a contract, the club invited him for another week of training in May. He officially signed a two-year scholarship contract with the Mariners on 19 June 2018.[12][13] After being released a year later,[14] Gauci signed with Adelaide City mid-season of the NPL South Australia in June 2019.[15][16] He made eight league appearances in the 2019 season.[17] On 9 September, Gauci signed a scholarship contract with Melbourne City where he took part in the club's youth teams.[18][19]

Adelaide United

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On 7 October 2020, Gauci signed a scholarship deal with his hometown club Adelaide United after serving as a backup goalkeeper at Melbourne City.[20] As first choice goalkeeper James Delianov was ruled out due to failing his fitness test, Gauci made his professional debut on 13 March 2021 in a 3–1 away victory against Melbourne Victory.[21] He kept his first clean sheet in the league on 28 March 2021 in a 1–0 win against Sydney FC.[22] The match was Adelaide's sixth consecutive win of the 2020–21 season, matching the club record in the 2005–06 season.[23][24] Carl Veart, the head coach of Adelaide United, praised Gauci's performance on the team's success.[25]

On 13 May, Gauci suffered a thigh injury during a warm-up session before a match against Melbourne City which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.[26] In the 2020–21 season, Gauci made 10 league appearances with three clean sheets and extended his contract for two years on 25 May.[27] In the 2021–22 season, Gauci went seven-months without an appearance and was ruled out at the start of the new year with COVID-19.[28] He made his first appearance for the season, as to replace Delianov who sustained an injury mid-season,[29] on 8 January against Melbourne Victory.[30] By the end of the season, Gauci signed a three-year contract extension on 13 April 2023.[31]

In the 2022–23 season, Adelaide United progressed to the A-League finals series. In the elimination final, Gauci kept his first clean sheet in 13 matches, the last being against Macarthur FC on 20 January, in a 2–0 win against Wellington Phoenix on 5 May.[32] Adelaide United ended the season with a loss in the semi-final leg against Melbourne City.[33] In February 2024, midway of the 2023–24 season, Gauci departed Adelaide United with a total of 76 appearances and 16 clean sheets.[34]

Aston Villa

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On 1 February 2024, Gauci signed for English Premier League club Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.[35] The fee was reported to be around $2.5m (around £1.29m). It was confirmed that the player would join up with his new club after the end of Australia's involvement in the ongoing Asian Cup.[36] Gauci was on the bench for the February 2024 game against Nottingham Forest.[37]

Gauci made his Aston Villa debut on 24 September 2024, starting a EFL Cup tie away to Wycombe Wanderers.[38]

International career

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Other than Australia, Gauci is eligible to represent New Zealand and Malta at international level.[6] In March 2022, Joe Gauci received his first call-up to the Australia national team as a train-on player for the first week of camp, in preparation for the World Cup qualification matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia.[39]

Gauci received his first official call-up to the Australia national team ahead of two friendly matches against Ecuador.[40] During the second friendly match on 28 March, Gauci earned his first international appearance, starting in Australia's 2–1 defeat at Marvel Stadium.[41][42]

In January 2024, Gauci was called up to the Australia national team for the 2023 Asian Cup.[43]

Personal life

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Gauci has a younger brother, Jed, who plays for The Cove in State League 2 South Australia. The two played against each other for the first time on 18 July 2023 where Adelaide United won 8–1 over The Cove.[44]

In April 2022, Gauci, acting as a representative of Adelaide United, became an ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) in supporting local children with cancer, and their families.[45][46] To show his commitment and generosity, Gauci vowed to contribute a sum of $20 for every save he made throughout an entire season. As of May 2023, Gauci donated an amount of $1,920 to the association.[47]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 30 October 2024[30]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League[a] National cup[b] League cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Central Coast Mariners 2018–19 A-League 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Melbourne City 2019–20 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Adelaide United 2020–21 10 0 0 0 — — 10 0
2021–22 22 0 3 0 — — 25 0
2022–23 29 0 2 0 — — 31 0
2023–24 10 0 0 0 — — 10 0
Total 71 0 5 0 0 0 — 76 0
Aston Villa 2023–24 Premier League 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
2024-25 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
Career total 71 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 78 0
  1. ^ Includes A-League Men finals series
  2. ^ Includes Australia Cup


International

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As of 15 October 2024[48]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Australia 2023 1 0
2024 5 0
Total 6 0

Honours

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Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Latest updated Premier League squad lists for 2023/24". Premier League. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b Joe Gauci at WorldFootball.net
  3. ^ Includes Emperor's Cup, Belgian Cup & FA Cup
  4. ^ "Joe Gauci". Central Coast Mariners. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  5. ^ jordan (9 November 2022). "House of Gauci: Joe's rise to the big time". Adelaide United. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b Pisani, Sacha (27 January 2023). "Joe Gauci can also play for two other nations: This conversation could decide his future". A-Leagues. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  7. ^ "The Pitch Podcast Fan Q&A | Joe Gauci". Adelaide United.
  8. ^ a b Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenage goalkeeper Joe Gauci signs for A-League club Central Coast Mariners". Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  9. ^ a b c d e "House of Gauci: Joe's rise to the big time". Adelaide United. 9 November 2022.
  10. ^ a b Smithies, Tom (13 April 2023). "'I thought my career was over, aged 11': Joe Gauci's amazing story 'not many people know'". A-Leagues. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  11. ^ Daou, Amir (24 April 2021). "'I made one save and that was it': Gauci's remarkable journey to the A-League". The Football Sack.
  12. ^ Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenager gets A-League chance". The West Australian. The Advertiser.
  13. ^ "Keepers Confirmed: Pearce re-signs & Gauci gained". Central Coast Mariners. 19 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Hiarej, Gameiro & Gauci depart Mariners". Central Coast Mariners. 21 May 2019.
  15. ^ Barbaro, Michael (4 June 2019). "Goalkeeper Gauci signs with City!". Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  16. ^ Abbracciavento, Daniela; Rinaldo, Lucas (7 June 2019). "Adelaide City lures veteran Pellegrino out of retirement, recruits former Central Coast Mariner keeper Gauci". Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  17. ^ "Joe Gauci - Player Statistics". GameDay.
  18. ^ "Melbourne City Bolsters Youth Ranks Offering Scholarships for the 2019/20 season to Talented Youngsters". Melbourne City. 9 September 2019.
  19. ^ "City finalise 2019/20 Foxtel Y-League Squad". Melbourne City. 14 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Reds sign Gauci ahead of 2020/21 Season". Adelaide United. 7 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Reds jump into second after emphatic Victory triumph". Adelaide United. 13 March 2021.
  22. ^ Monteverde, Marco (30 March 2021). "A-League: Goalkeeper Joe Gauci is making the most of his opportunity with Adelaide United". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
  23. ^ "Reds sink Sydney for six straight wins!". Adelaide United. 28 March 2021.
  24. ^ "Gauci reflects on save and discusses Reds' belief". Adelaide United. 30 March 2021.
  25. ^ Gagliardi, Lee (28 March 2021). "New hero Gauci saves the day for Reds". 7NEWS.
  26. ^ Migliaccio, Val (23 May 2021). "Adelaide United defeat Victory to close in on finals dream". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
  27. ^ "Reds sign Gauci to two-year extension". Adelaide United. 25 May 2021.
  28. ^ Hough, Andrew; Williams, Tim (1 January 2022). "Josh Cavallo, Mohamed Toure and Joe Gauci miss A-League clash with Wellington after testing positive for Covid-19". Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
  29. ^ Lynch, Joey (19 January 2023). "The 'crazy' story of 13-year throwback photo of past and future Socceroos: 'It's pretty surreal for me'". Optus Sport. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Australia - J.Gauci - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Gauci extends with Reds until 2026". Adelaide United. 12 April 2023.
  32. ^ Comito, Matt (8 May 2023). "A 13-game run is over for the Reds – and it's a good omen ahead of the Semi Finals". keepup.com. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023.
  33. ^ Marchetti, Christian (30 October 2023). "Continuity and holistic performances shaping Adelaide United's incredible 2023/24 start". Front Page Football. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci to the English Premier League". Adelaide United. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Aston Villa announce Joe Gauci signing". Aston Villa Football Club. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Goalkeeper Joe Gauci makes blockbuster Premier League move, joining Adelaide United exodus". ABC News. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  37. ^ "Luiz double helps scintillating Villa beat Forest". BBC Sport.
  38. ^ "Gauci debuts at Wycombe Wanderers". Aston Villa Football Club. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  39. ^ "Fresh faces & experienced Socceroos named as Australia gets set for Japan and Jeddah | Football Australia". Football Australia. 17 March 2022.
  40. ^ "Gauci, Bos, O'Neill and Robertson react to maiden Subway Socceroos call-ups | Socceroos". Socceroos. 14 March 2023.
  41. ^ "Australia 1–2 Ecuador (Mar 28, 2023) Game Analysis". ESPN. 28 March 2023.
  42. ^ "Dream come true for new Socceroo, Gauci". Adelaide United. 29 March 2023.
  43. ^ "Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed". Socceroos. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  44. ^ "Gauci content with Cove contest". Adelaide United. 19 July 2023.
  45. ^ Filosi, Gianluca (28 April 2022). "Gauci and McNamara proud CCA Ambassadors". Adelaide United.
  46. ^ "Gauci pledge supports kids with cancer - Childhood Cancer Association". Childhood Cancer. 28 April 2022.
  47. ^ "Gauci to donate $1,100 to Childhood Cancer Association". Adelaide United. 23 May 2023.
  48. ^ "Joe Gauci". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  49. ^ Larkin, Steve (29 May 2023). "City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season". Narromine News. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
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