Paul Okon-Engstler

Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler (born 24 January 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Benfica. Born in Belgium, he has represented Australia at youth international level.

Paul Okon-Engstler

Personal information
Full name	Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler^[1]
Date of birth	(2005-01-24) 24 January 2005 (age 19)
Place of birth	Belgium
Position(s)	Centre-back, midfielder
Team information
Current team	Benfica
Youth career
	Marconi Stallions
2018	Western Sydney Wanderers
2019–2022	Club Brugge
2022–	Benfica
International career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2023–	Australia U18	3	(0)

Club career

Born in Belgium to former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon, who was playing for K.V. Oostende at the time, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia as a child, as his father had been signed by the Newcastle Jets.^[2] He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.^[2] In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.^[2]

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.^[3] He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.^[3][4][5]

International career

Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Belgium through birth, Australia through his father, and Italy through his mother.^[2] He holds Italian citizenship.^[6]

In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature.^[7] He made his debut for the Australian U18 team in 2023, captaining the side during the Maurice Revello Tournament.^{[citation needed]}

Style of play

A composed, left-footed centre-back, also capable of playing in midfield, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.^[8]

References

1. Paul Okon-Engstler at WorldFootball.net
2. "Paul Okon-Engstler: el talento australiano del Benfica lleva una vida loca como un padre" [Paul Okon-Engstler: Benfica's Australian talent leads a crazy life like a father]. teknomers.com (in Spanish). 20 December 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
3. Rosengarten, Jake (20 July 2022). "Paul Okon Junior joins Portuguese giants Benfica". sport.optus.com.au. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
4. "Paul Okon contratado" [Paul Okon hired]. slbenfica.pt (in Portuguese). 19 July 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
5. Delvaux, Martin (20 July 2022). "Zoon van assistent Paul Okon verlaat Club Brugge voor Benfica" [Son of assistant Paul Okon leaves Club Brugge for Benfica]. nieuwsblad.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 6 March 2023.
6. "Italiano Okon-Engstler reforça equipa sub-19 do Benfica: «Clube lindo e histórico»" [Italian Okon-Engstler reinforces Benfica's under-19 team: «Beautiful and historic club»]. record.pt (in Portuguese). 19 July 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
7. "Young Socceroos Squad Named for Four Continents Tournament in Spain". socceroos.com.au. 13 September 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
8. "Paul Okon Jr following in famous father's footsteps". theroar.com.au. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.