Garang Kuol
{{short description|Australian soccer player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{use Australian English|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Garang Kuol
| image = Garang Kuol 2022.png
| caption = Kuol playing with A-Leagues All Stars in 2022
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2004|09|15|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Cairo, Egypt
| position = Winger
| currentclub = Newcastle United
| clubnumber = 32
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Shepparton Soccer Club
| youthyears2 = 2015–2020
| youthclubs2 = Goulburn Valley Suns
| youthyears3 = 2021
| youthclubs3 = Central Coast Mariners
| years1 = 2021
| clubs1 = CCM Academy
| caps1 = 6
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2021–2023
| clubs2 = Central Coast Mariners
| caps2 = 18
| goals2 = 6
| years3 = 2023–
| clubs3 = Newcastle United
| caps3 = 0
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2023
| clubs4 = → Heart of Midlothian (loan)
| caps4 = 8
| goals4 = 1
| years5 = 2023–2024
| clubs5 = → Volendam (loan)
| caps5 = 15
| goals5 = 1
| nationalyears1 = 2022–
| nationalteam1 = Australia U20
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2023–
| nationalteam2 = Australia U23
| nationalcaps2 = 12
| nationalgoals2 = 2
| nationalyears3 = 2022–
| nationalteam3 = Australia
| nationalcaps3 = 5
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| club-update = 11 February 2024
| nationalteam-update = 9 June 2025
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|AUS}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|WAFF U-23 Championship}}
{{Medal|RU|2024 Saudi Arabia|}}
}}
Garang Mawien Kuol (born 15 September 2004) is a professional soccer player who plays as a winger for {{English football updater|NewcastU}} club Newcastle United. Born a South Sudanese refugee in Egypt, he plays for the Australia national team.
Early life
Kuol was born on 15 September 2004 in an Egyptian refugee camp, to South Sudanese parents Mawien and Antonietta Kuol.{{cite web| url=https://au.soccerway.com/players/garang-kuol/810348/| website= Soccerway| title=G.Kuol | access-date=9 November 2022}}{{cite web |author=Zac Rayson |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/fifa-world-cup-2022-socceroos-garang-kuol-newcastle-united-who-is-kuol-brother-central-coast-mariners-goals-transfer/news-story/c21eb02659897dcb6123e096043cac63 |title=18yo superstar will become Australia's youngest-ever World Cup star: Who is Garang Kuol? |website=Fox Sports |date=9 November 2022 }} His family fled their war-torn home in South Sudan to Egypt before eventually settling in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia in 2005.{{cite web| title = Garang Kuol: Newcastle's new Australian wonderkid tipped to become one of the world's best| website = Goal.com|url = https://www.goal.com/en-au/lists/garang-kuol-newcastle-australian-wonderkid-worlds-best/bltb8763ca0e90c1359#cs9e9b37ce2e1a35c9| date = 5 October 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Emma |title='It's about being ruthless': 18-year-old Socceroo Garang Kuol is ready to take on the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/18/its-about-being-ruthless-18-year-old-socceroo-garang-kuol-is-ready-to-take-on-the-world |website=The Guardian |date=18 November 2022}}{{cite web |title='A lot of our people lost their lives, it was an emotional time': Kuol's inspiration to flourish in football |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/a-lot-of-our-people-lost-their-lives-it-was-an-emotional-time-kuols-inspiration-to-flourish-in-football/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=8 November 2022}} Growing up in regional Victoria, Garang was first introduced to football by his brother Kuol and frequently trained with his two other brothers Teng and Alou Kuol.{{cite web |last1=Niva |first1=Daniel |title=From Shepparton to Qatar: Garang Kuol is Australia's Breakout Football Star |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/a/daniel-niva/garang-kuol-interviewani |website=Complex |publisher=Complex Australia |language=en-us |date=2 December 2022}} Both Garang and Alou took inspiration from Australian footballers Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano.{{cite web |title=Australia's South Sudanese striker Garang Kuol all set for Premier League debut |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/australias-south-sudanese-striker-garang-kuol-all-set-for-premier-league |website=FIFA |date=2 December 2022}} Kuol started his football as a junior for Shepparton Soccer Club, before joining Goulburn Valley Suns, where he trained in the youth and senior ranks for five years until the age of 15.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Shane |title=How Shepparton turned Kuol into an international star on the rise |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/goulburn-valley/how-shepparton-turned-kuol-into-an-international-star-on-the-rise/news-story/32ebfb4687e41c0b2f06ddf1532c5bef?amp&nk=0c91735363fb4b931ac5ae5b65702b75-1688434295 |website=Herald Sun |publisher=The Goulburn Valley News |date=30 September 2022 |url-access=subscription}}
Club career
=Central Coast Mariners=
Kuol signed with Central Coast Mariners Academy in January 2021, joining his brother Alou Kuol.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-m-not-boring-why-mariners-cult-hero-alou-kuol-is-just-warming-up-20210130-p56y1j.html|title='I'm not boring': Why Mariners cult hero Alou Kuol is just warming up|first=Vince|last=Rugari|date=30 January 2021|access-date=26 May 2022|website=Sydney Morning Herald}}{{cite web |last1=Rayson |first1=Zac |title=How 'worst team in Aussie sport' rose from the dead — and the 'magician' behind the miracle |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/how-worst-team-in-aussie-sport-rose-from-the-dead-and-the-magician-behind-the-miracle/news-story/964975403850320f2e4bf110ae74852c |website=Fox Sports |language=en |date=4 March 2021}} At the age of 16, Kuol got his first start for the senior NPL squad on 14 March, against Mounties Wanderers after the squad's main starters were absent with the A-League Men squad.{{cite web |title=Mariners Academy: Strong start continues across all grades |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-academy-strong-start-continues-across-all-grades |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=17 March 2021}} In December, Kuol earned his first call-up to the A-League squad for their FFA Cup clash against Wollongong Wolves but wasn't officially named on the bench despite being with the substitute group on the day.{{cite web |title=Teng to Central Coast Mariners has Kuol-y Grail runneth over |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/teng-to-central-coast-mariners-has-kuol-y-grail-runneth-over/ |website=Shepparton News |date=8 December 2021}} In the subsequent round, Kuol scored on his professional debut on 21 December, just seven minutes after coming off the bench, in a 6–0 away win against APIA Leichhardt.{{cite web |title=APIA Leichhardt FC v Central Coast Mariners |url=https://www.australiacup.com.au/match/apia-leichhardt-fc-v-central-coast-mariners-australia-cup-22-12-2021/2261468#!/match-report |website=Australia Cup |publisher=Australia Cup Match Centre |language=en |date=21 December 2021}}{{cite web |title=Mariners hit APIA Leichhardt for SIX |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-hit-apia-leichhardt-for-six |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=21 December 2021}}{{cite web |title=Mariners leading the way with youth development |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-leading-the-way-with-youth-development |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=23 December 2021}} He would miss the next game against Sydney FC due to illness.{{cite web |title=COVID impacted Mariners fall to first home defeat of season |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/covid-impacted-mariners-fall-to-first-home-defeat-of-season |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=23 January 2022}} Kuol returned in the final as a late substitute where he was involved in his side's consolation goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time in a 2–1 defeat to Melbourne Victory.{{cite web |title=Mariners dreams dashed in FFA Cup Final |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-dreams-dashed-in-ffa-cup-final |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=5 February 2022}}{{cite web |title=Gallery {{!}} GV Suns kick off junior NPL competitions |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/gallery-gv-suns-kick-off-junior-npl-competitions/ |website=Shepparton News |date=9 February 2022}}
Kuol made his A-League Men debut on 5 April 2022, scoring a goal with a first-time shot through Phoenix keeper Oliver Sail, in the Mariners' 5–0 win over Wellington Phoenix.{{cite web |title=Five Star Football Sinks Phoenix |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/five-star-football-sinks-phoenix |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=5 April 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/garang-kuol-scores-on-a-league-debut/|title=Garang Kuol scores on A-League debut|website=Shepparton News|first=Daniel|last=Webb|access-date=26 May 2022|date=6 April 2022}} His finish was praised by pundits including his brother, Alou, who stated, "Garangski has landed."{{cite web |title='Garangski has landed': Alou Kuol's message to teen brother after debut Mariners strike |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/live-central-coast-mariners-v-wellington-phoenix-april-5-goals-highlights-video-reaction-analysis/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=5 April 2022}} Kuol went on to score three goals in his next six A-League Men appearances to secure Finals qualification.{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Ed |title=Kuol scores again, Mariners secure A-League finals |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/kuol-scores-again-mariners-secure-a-league-finals-579519 |website=FTBL |date=4 May 2022}}{{cite web |title='It's just crazy': Former Sun becomes A-League's newest sensation |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/its-just-crazy-former-sun-becomes-a-leagues-newest-sensation/ |website=Shepparton News |date=28 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Garang Kuol does it again |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/garang-kuol-does-it-again/ |website=Shepparton News |date=2 May 2022}} On 20 May, Kuol was one of two "Commissioner's picks" chosen to play in the 2022 A-Leagues All Stars Game against Barcelona.{{cite news|url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/a-league-young-guns-get-shot-against-fc-barcelona-580283|title=A-League young guns get shot against FC Barcelona|first=Anna|last=Harrington|date=20 May 2022|access-date=26 May 2022}} On 23 June, Kuol signed his first professional contract on a two-years deal with the Mariners amidst notable interests from foreign clubs.{{cite web |title=Garang Kuol signs first professional contract with Mariners |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/garang-kuol-signs-first-professional-contract-with-mariners |website=Central Coast Mariners |date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |title=Mariners fend off 'huge interest from some of the biggest teams in world football' for Kuol |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/mariners-secure-kuol-despite-huge-interest-after-barca-cameo/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=23 June 2022}} On 13 November, Kuol scored twice for the Mariners after coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 loss to Western United. His second goal, a powerful strike from a narrow angle, was named as the A-League Men's Goal of the Month for November by 10 News First, as selected by former Socceroo Alex Tobin.{{cite news|url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/12/garang-kuol-picks-up-a-league-goal-of-the-month-accolade-ahead-of-travelling-to-newcastle-united/|website=themag.co.uk|date=18 December 2022|title=Garang Kuol picks up A-League goal of the month accolade ahead of travelling to Newcastle|access-date=18 December 2022}} Kuol made his first league start for the Mariners on 18 December, managing one assist in a 2–1 win over Sydney FC,{{cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/mariners-win-as-kuol-stars-in-alm-start-c-9195790|title=Mariners win as Kuol stars in ALM start|first=George|last=Clarke|website=The West Australian|date=18 December 2022|access-date=18 December 2022}} and later his last appearance for the club on 30 December in a 2–1 win against Melbourne Victory where he received a standing ovation from the fans at Central Coast Stadium.{{cite web |title=Mariners give departing Kuol winning A-League Men farewell |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-31/a-league-men-mariners-give-garang-kuol-winning-farewell/101819708 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU |date=31 December 2022}}
=Newcastle United=
In mid-September 2022, it was reported that Kuol had signed a pre-agreement and would transfer to English Premier League side Newcastle United during the January 2023 transfer window.{{Cite web |last=Smithfield |first=Jackie |date=14 September 2022 |title=Newcastle United agree deal to sign Garang Kuol and personal terms now agreed - Report |url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/09/newcastle-united-agree-deal-to-sign-garang-kuol-and-personal-terms-now-agreed-report/ |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=NUFC The Mag}} On 30 September 2022, Kuol signed a four-year deal with Newcastle United for a transfer fee of £300,000 included with sell-on clauses and other bonus triggers.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title='It's unreal': Socceroos bolter Garang Kuol unveiled by Newcastle United |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/six-months-ago-he-was-unknown-now-garang-kuol-is-one-of-australia-s-highest-paid-footballers-20220928-p5blkk.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |date=30 September 2022 |url-access=subscription}}{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Jim |title=Newcastle United now close to finalising Garang Kuol transfer - Sky Sports |url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/09/newcastle-united-now-close-to-finalising-garang-kuol-transfer-sky-sports/ |website=NUFC The Mag |date=27 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Joey |title=Garang Kuol, 18, joins Newcastle United with the innate tools of a star |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/sep/30/australian-newcastle-united-signing-garang-kuol-18-has-the-innate-tools-of-a-star |website=The Guardian |date=30 September 2022}} He officially joined the club on 1 January 2023.{{cite web | title=Newcastle agree deal for Australian teenager Kuol | website=BBC Sport | date=30 September 2022 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63087003 | access-date=30 September 2022}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/newcastle-united-finalise-deal-for-garang-kuol/ | title = Newcastle United finalise deal for Garang Kuol | date = 30 September 2022 | website = Newcastle United FC| publisher = | access-date = 30 September 2022 | quote = }} On 12 January 2023, Kuol was loaned to Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian until the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64256281 |title=Hearts: Australia's Garang Kuol joins on loan from Newcastle |website=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=12 January 2023}} He made his debut at Tynecastle Park the following day, coming on as a substitute for Barrie McKay at the 77th minute of a 1–0 league victory over St Mirren.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Keir |date=13 January 2023 |title=McKay goal hands Hearts victory over St Mirren |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62784247? |access-date=14 January 2023}} On 1 February, Kuol started his first league game, played out of position as a midfielder instead of his natural position as a forward, in a 3–0 defeat to Rangers.{{cite web |last1=Watt |first1=Martin |title=Rangers 'set good standard' to end Hearts' run |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64395319 |website=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2023}} He scored his first goal for the club in the next fixture against Rangers in the 4th minute of additional time after coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute to secure a 2–2 draw.{{Cite news |title=Draw at Rangers ends Hearts' hopes of third place |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65618144 |access-date=26 May 2023}} Kuol returned to Newcastle in late June, making only limited appearances for Hearts.{{cite web |title=18-year-old Newcastle striker posts update ahead of huge season |url=https://www.geordiebootboys.com/news/18-year-old-newcastle-striker-posts-update-ahead-of-huge-season/ |website=Geordie Boot Boys |date=25 June 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Jacob |title=Garang Kuol has been struggling for game time on loan at Hearts - should Newcastle be worried? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4480598/2023/05/03/garang-kuol-newcastle-australia-2/ |website=The Athletic |language=en |date=3 May 2023}}
Kuol was not added to the Magpie's pre-season in the United States, instead training in Verona with fellow Premier League academy players, Amani Richards and Sol Sidibe.{{cite web |last1=Hewitt |first1=Matty |title=Garang Kuol set for loan exit as Newcastle United pre-season absence explained |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/garang-kuol-set-loan-exit-27374119 |website=ChronicleLive |language=en |date=23 July 2023}} While awaiting for the completion of his work permit,{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Jacob |title=Newcastle's Kuol close to FC Volendam loan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4718381/2023/07/25/newcastle-garang-kuol-volendam/ |website=The Athletic |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230725100832/https://theathletic.com/4718381/2023/07/25/newcastle-garang-kuol-volendam/ |archive-date=25 July 2023 |language=en |url-status=live |date=25 July 2023}} on 8 August, Kuol was sent on a season-long loan to Eredivisie club FC Volendam.{{cite web |title=WK-ganger Garang Kuol voor één seizoen gehuurd van Newcastle United |url=https://fcvolendam.nl/nieuws/wk-ganger-garang-kuol-voor-een-seizoen-gehuurd-van-newcastle-united/ |website=FC Volendam |language=nl |date=8 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=Kuol joins FC Volendam on loan |url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/kuol-joins-fc-volendam-on-loan/ |website=Newcastle United F.C. |language=en |date=8 August 2023}} He made his debut for the club on 12 August in a 2–1 league loss to Vitesse at Kras Stadion.{{cite web |last1=Dixon |first1=Joe |title=Garang Kuol debut for FC Volendam doesn't go to plan |url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2023/08/garang-kuol-debut-for-fc-volendam-doesnt-go-to-plan-newcastle-united/ |website=NUFC The Mag |date=12 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=Aussies Abroad: D'Agostino scores and assists, Kuol makes Eredivisie debut |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/aussies-abroad-19 |website=Socceroos |language=en |date=14 August 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Stokes |first1=Aaron |title='Patience' needed with Kuol as Newcastle star endures slow start to loan spell |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/patience-needed-garang-kuol-newcastle-27565910 |website=ChronicleLive |language=en |date=22 August 2023}} In his second starting appearance, Kuol scored his first league goal for the club in a 3–1 defeat to Fortuna Sittard on 17 September 2023.{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Chris |title=Newcastle United loan duo Garang Kuol and Yankuba Minteh both score in Eredivise |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-garang-kuol-yankuba-minteh-27733647 |website=ChronicleLive |access-date=19 September 2023 |language=en |date=18 September 2023}} He became the youngest foreigner to score in FC Volendam's history, having netted the club's third goal in four games, all of which have been defeats.{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Joshua |title=Aussie Premier League hopeful Garang Kuol scores stunning goal on loan |url=https://sport.optus.com.au/news/premier-league/os63120/garang-kuol-goal-eredivisie-fc-volendam-loan-newcastle-australian |website=Optus Sport |access-date=19 September 2023 |date=17 September 2023}} He was awarded Volendam's August–September Goal of the Month for his strike against Fortuna.{{cite web |title=Kuol's eerste goal verkozen tot Doelpunt van de maand augustus-september |url=https://fcvolendam.nl/nieuws/kuols-eerste-goal-verkozen-tot-doelpunt-van-de-maand-augustus-spetember/ |publisher=FC Volendam |access-date=24 October 2023 |language=nl |date=18 October 2023}} After the resignation of manager Matthias Kohler, Kuol faced reduced playing time under new manager and former assistant Regillio Simons, who placed tactical changes that led him to be benched.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=How Manchester United's sale could leave Socceroos young gun out in the cold |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/how-manchester-united-s-sale-could-leave-socceroos-young-gun-out-in-the-cold-20240221-p5f6th.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en |date=24 February 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Jacob |title=Garang Kuol's Newcastle 'challenge' as promising loan turns to frustration again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5419860/2024/04/22/garang-kuol-newcastle-volendam/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240422081841/https://theathletic.com/5419860/2024/04/22/garang-kuol-newcastle-volendam/ |archive-date=22 April 2024 |language=en |url-status=live |date=22 April 2024}} Kuol returned from loan in May 2024, having experienced relegation in the Eredivisie with Volendam.{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Joey |title=Kuol vows to bounce back after tough Dutch stint |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/40194960/garang-kuol-vows-bounce-back-difficult-volendam-loan |website=ESPN |access-date=31 May 2024 |language=en |date=22 May 2024}}
After his return, Kuol made his non-competitive debut for Newcastle United in a friendly against Tottenham on 22 May at Melbourne Cricket Ground, during Newcastle's pre-season tour in Melbourne, Australia.{{cite web |title=Team news: First start for Kuol |url=https://www.newcastleunited.com/news/latest-news/team-news-first-start-for-kuol/ |publisher=Newcastle United F.C. |access-date=31 May 2024 |language=en |date=24 May 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Nash |first1=Liam |title=PURE KUOL-ITY: What a week it has been for the Shepparton star boys |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/sheppartons-alou-kuol-wins-a-league-grand-final-while-brother-garang-makes-newcastle-united-debut/ |website=Shepparton News |access-date=31 May 2024 |language=en-AU |date=27 May 2024}}
International career
=Youth=
In October 2022, Kuol was called up to the Australian under-20 side for 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification matches in Kuwait.{{cite web |last1=Harrington |first1=Anna |title=Kuol headlines Young Socceroos squad |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7935997/kuol-headlines-young-socceroos-squad/ |website=The Canberra Times |access-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240329050040/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7935997/kuol-headlines-young-socceroos-squad/ |archive-date=29 March 2024 |language=en-AU |date=10 October 2022}} Kuol's coach at Central Coast Mariners, Nick Montgomery, was critical of the selection, arguing that Kuol would have better chances of selection for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by playing consistently for the Mariners in the 2022–23 A-League Men.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/hard-to-understand-kuol-s-under-20s-call-up-could-put-socceroos-hopes-in-peril-20221006-p5bnr4.html|first=Vince|last=Rugari|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=7 October 2022|access-date=11 October 2022|title='Hard to understand': Kuol's under-20s call-up could put Socceroos hopes in peril}} Kuol scored in the second qualifying game in a 4–1 win over India as Australia progressed to the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.{{cite web |title=Subway Young Socceroos qualify for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023 |url=https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/subway-young-socceroos |publisher=Football Australia |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en |date=19 October 2022}} However, after consultation with his loanee club Hearts and parent club Newcastle United, Kuol was deemed unavailable for selection ahead of the U20 Asian Cup.{{cite web |last1=Pisani |first1=Sacha |title=Australia's U20 Asian Cup campaign starts today: Here's everything you need to know |url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-young-socceroos-at-the-under-20-asian-cup/ |publisher=A-League |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en-AU |date=28 February 2023}}
Kuol, along with his brother, Alou, was named in the Australian under-23 team for the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament in June 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/alou-and-garang-kuol-on-the-brink-of-golden-opportunity/|first=Bransen|last=Gibson|date=6 June 2023|access-date=10 June 2023|website=Shepparton News|title=Kuol brothers on the brink of golden opportunity}}{{cite news|url=https://www.beinsports.com/au/football/news/kuol-headlines-olyroos-squad-for-maurice-reve/2091022|title=Kuol headlines Olyroos squad for Maurice Revello|access-date=10 June 2023|date=15 May 2023|website=beIN Sports}} Kuol accumulated three assists during the tournament, managing two against the Mediterranean Select side, and one against Mexico, to reach the semi-final.{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Joey |title=Garang Kuol stars as Australia claim first Maurice Revello victory |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37828017/garang-kuol-stars-australia-claim-first-maurice-revello-victory |website=ESPN |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en |date=7 June 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Dixon |first1=Joe |title=Garang Kuol loses out in semi-finals of Maurice Revello tournament |url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2023/06/garang-kuol-loses-out-in-semi-finals-of-maurice-revello-tournament-newcastle-united-australia/ |website=The Mag |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en |date=16 June 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Comito |first1=Matt |title=The Olyroos are on the cusp of history: Here are five standout players who have got them there |url=https://aleagues.com.au/news/australia-football-news-olyroos-maurice-revello-tourament-semi-final-details-watch-analysis-kuol/ |publisher=A-League |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en-AU |date=14 June 2023}} After the loss to finalists Panama, he added an assist to his tally in a 2–0 victory over France U21 in the third-place playoff.{{cite web |title=WATCH: Olyroos prevail in third-place playoff with 2-0 win over France |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/watch-france-vs-olyroos-match-report |publisher=Socceroos |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en |date=18 June 2023}} In March 2024, Kuol and his brother were recalled to the under-23 squad for the 2024 WAFF U-23 Championship.{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=George |title=Kuol brothers in Olyroos squad, Circati unavailable |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8548925/kuol-brothers-in-olyroos-squad-circati-unavailable/ |website=The Canberra Times |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en-AU |date=8 March 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Nash |first1=Liam |title=Kuol brothers will once again line up alongside each other - but who for? |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/sheppartons-garang-and-alou-kuol-named-in-olyroos-squad-ahead-of-under-23-asian-cup/ |website=Shepparton News |access-date=27 March 2024 |language=en |date=10 March 2024}} Kuol scored one goal in the semi-final win over Egypt to reach the final against South Korea. After a 2–2 scoreline in regular time, Kuol missed his respective penalty in the 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to the Koreans, becoming runners-up in the tournament.{{cite web |title=Mariners International Round-Up: Nisbet makes Socceroos debut and Kuol scores three for Olyroos |url=https://ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-international-round-up-nisbet-makes-socceroos-debut-and-kuol-scores-three-for-olyroos/ |publisher=Central Coast Mariners |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en-AU |date=27 March 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Milligan |first1=Chandler |title=Subway Olyroos finish WAFF Championship runners up in shootout against Korea Republic |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/olyroos-lose-penalty-shootout-against-korea-republic-waff-championship-final-1 |publisher=Socceroos |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en |date=27 March 2024}}
In April, Kuol was named to the under-23 squad for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, in contention to secure a place for the 2024 Summer Olympics.{{cite web |last1=Nash |first1=Liam |title=Garang Kuol almost changed history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, now he's returning to the scene of the crime |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/sheppartons-garang-and-alou-kuol-selected-in-olyroos-squad-for-afc-under-23-asian-cup/ |website=Shepparton News |access-date=7 April 2024 |language=en |date=7 April 2024}} The Olyroos failed to qualify past the group stage without scoring a goal, with Kuol making all three appearances of the bench against Jordan, Indonesia, and Qatar.{{cite web |last1=Buck |first1=Joe |title=Newcastle United midfielder fails in Paris 2024 Olympics bid |url=https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-midfielder-fails-in-paris-2024-olympics-bid-4599627 |publisher=The Shields Gazette |access-date=26 April 2024 |language=en |date=22 April 2024}}{{cite web |title=International Magpies: Kuol and Australia bow out of Under-23 Asia Cup |url=https://www.newcastleunited.com/news/latest-news/international-call-ups-april-2024/ |publisher=Newcastle United |access-date=26 April 2024 |language=en |date=22 April 2024}}
=Senior=
In September 2022, Kuol earned his first senior national team call-up, being selected in the Australian squad to play two friendlies against New Zealand.{{Cite web |date=14 September 2022 |title=Graham Arnold adds fresh faces to Socceroos squad for September matches |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/september-squad-announcement-0 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Socceroos |language=en}} He made his debut at 18 years and 10 days of age as a second-half substitute in the second game of the New Zealand series,{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=New Zealand vs Australia, International Friendlies, Round 1, 25th Sep 2022 |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/match/new-zealand-v-australia-friendlies-25-09-2022/2289966 |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=Socceroos |language=en}} earning plaudits for a number of dangerous contributions in attack.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kuol-cummings-make-eye-catching-debuts-as-socceroos-topple-kiwis-in-auckland-20220925-p5bkty.html|title=Kuol, Cummings make eye-catching debuts as Socceroos topple Kiwis in Auckland|first=Vince|last=Rugari|date=25 September 2022|access-date=9 October 2022|website=Sydney Morning Herald}} Kuol's debut made him the sixth-youngest "Socceroo" of all time, and the youngest to be selected in an Australia squad since Harry Kewell.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-27/grassroots-community-african-socceroos-garang-kuol/101447712|title=Socceroo Garang Kuol is focused on inspiring the next generation of young African Australian footballers|date=27 September 2022|access-date=8 November 2022|website=ABC News}}
Kuol was named in Australia's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November 2022 at 18 years old, making him the youngest player ever selected for Australia for a FIFA World Cup.{{cite web | last=Hytner | first=Mike | title=Garang Kuol makes Australia's World Cup squad as Sainsbury and Langerak miss out | website=The Guardian | date=8 November 2022 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/08/garang-kuol-makes-australias-world-cup-squad-as-taggart-and-langerak-miss-out | access-date=9 November 2022}} Kuol came on as a substitute in the second half of Australia's loss to France in their opening game of the Cup on 22 November 2022, becoming the youngest player to appear at a World Cup for Australia and the ninth-youngest player ever to take the field at a World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/garang-kuol-etches-his-name-history-books-qatar|first=James|last=Halley|access-date=23 November 2022|date=23 November 2022|title=Garang Kuol etches his name into the history books in Qatar|website=Football Victoria}} Kuol also came on as a substitute in Australia's round of sixteen loss to Argentina, who would go on to win the competition, making him the youngest player to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since Pelé at the 1958 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news| last = Bennett| first = Charlie| title = Alan Shearer praises Newcastle youngster Garang Kuol| newspaper = chroniclelive.co.uk| location = Newcastle| publisher = Chronicle| date = 4 December 2022| url = https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alan-shearer-garang-kuol-newcastle-25669053| access-date = 9 December 2022}} Kuol had a late chance to equalise for Australia, however, his shot was saved by Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.{{cite news|first=Vince|last=Rugari|access-date=5 December 2022|date=4 December 2022|website=Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-was-telling-myself-that-i-d-come-on-and-score-kuol-s-chance-at-world-cup-glory-20221204-p5c3f7.html|title='I was telling myself that I'd come on and score': Kuol's chance at World Cup glory}}
Kuol scored his first international goal in Australia's first match since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his fourth international appearance, scoring against Ecuador in a friendly at Western Sydney Stadium on 24 March 2023.{{cite news|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/socceroos-defeat-ecuador-in-sydney-garang-kuol/93e207e8-d25a-4fd6-98df-35f9b0fe2bcb|title=Teen sensation Kuol scores as Socceroos nail Ecuador 3-1 in Sydney|date=24 March 2023|access-date=28 March 2023|website=Nine.com.au}}
Personal life
Kuol has three older brothers and three younger brothers.{{Cite web|last=Rugari|first=Vince|date=30 January 2021|title='I'm not boring': Why Mariners cult hero Alou Kuol is just warming up|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-m-not-boring-why-mariners-cult-hero-alou-kuol-is-just-warming-up-20210130-p56y1j.html|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} Two of his brothers, Alou Kuol and Teng Kuol, are also professional soccer players who had played with Central Coast Mariners and Goulburn Valley Suns.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernbeachesreview.com.au/story/7560913/mariners-crush-apia-to-reach-ffa-cup-semis/?cs=2439|title=Mariners crush APIA to reach FFA Cup semis|website=northernbeachesreview.com.au|date=21 December 2021|accessdate=21 December 2021}}{{cite web |title=Teng Kuol scores for Wanderers as NPL gets started |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/teng-kuol-scores-wanderers-npl-235900492.html |website=Yahoo! Sport |date=6 February 2023 |access-date=19 March 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Bransen |title=Teng Kuol on the score sheet in Western Sydney Wanderers' NPL NSW opener |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/teng-kuol-on-the-scoresheet-in-western-sydney-wanderers-npl-nsw-opener/ |website=Shepparton News |date=8 February 2023 |access-date=19 March 2023}}{{cite web |title=Teng to Central Coast Mariners has Kuol-y Grail runneth over |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/teng-to-central-coast-mariners-has-kuol-y-grail-runneth-over/ |website=Shepparton News |date=8 December 2021 |access-date=19 March 2023}}{{cite web |title=Teng Kuol pens Melbourne Victory move |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/2021/03/11/3687243/teng-kuol-pens-melbourne-victory-move/ |website=Shepparton News |date=11 March 2021 |access-date=19 March 2023}} Most notably, Alou had played in Germany with VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, making one league appearance, before returning to the Mariners in July 2023.{{cite web |title=Kuol transfer answers 'massive challenge' & 'continues trend' at the Central Coast Mariners |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/a-league-transfer-news-central-coast-mariners-sign-alou-kuol/ |website=KEEPUP |language=en-AU |date=10 July 2023}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 11 February 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Australia Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | |||||||
| Division
!Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Coast Mariners Academy
|2021 |6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Central Coast Mariners
|9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 5 | |
| 2022–23
|A-League Men |9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!18 | 6 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 22 | 7 | |
| Heart of Midlothian (loan)
|8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| Volendam (loan)
|15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 16 | 1 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!47 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 9 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"|Australia
|2022 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 5 | 1 |
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Garang Kuol | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 24 March 2023 | Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia | {{fb|ECU}} | align="center"|3–1 | align="center"|3–1 | rowspan="2"|Friendly |
Honours
=Player=
Australia U-23
- WAFF U-23 Championship: runner-up 2024{{ cite web|url = https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/subway-olyroos-squad-waff-u-23-championship-confirmed|title =Subway Olyroos’ Head Coach, Tony Vidmar has named an extended 26-man squad for the fifth edition of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) U-23 Championship – Saudi Arabia 2024.|publisher=Football Federation Australia|access-date=April 6, 2025}}
=Individual=
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway|garang-kuol/810348}}
{{Australia squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuol, Garang}}
Category:Australian men's soccer players
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Central Coast Mariners Academy players
Category:Central Coast Mariners FC players
Category:Newcastle United F.C. players
Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players
Category:National Premier Leagues players
Category:A-League Men All-Stars
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players
Category:Australia men's international soccer players
Category:Australia men's youth international soccer players
Category:Australia men's under-20 international soccer players
Category:Australia men's under-23 international soccer players
Category:South Sudanese men's footballers
Category:Australian people of South Sudanese descent
Category:South Sudanese emigrants to Australia
Category:Sportspeople of South Sudanese descent
Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland
Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands