Joe Gauci

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	7	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 January 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14 November 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.

Gauci's professional career began when he received a scholarship deal with Central Coast Mariners and subsequently joined Adelaide City and Melbourne City before signing a scholarship contract with Adelaide United in 2020. Gauci made his A-League debut in 2021, and went on to make 76 appearances for Adelaide, before he was signed by Aston Villa in January 2024 for an undisclosed fee.

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

Early life

Gauci was born on 4 July 2000 in Adelaide, Australia to parents of Maltese descent. ^[3] 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. ^{[4] [5]} 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. ^{[5] [6]} Gauci began playing as a goalkeeper during a school football camp in New Zealand. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

Gauci moved back to Adelaide, aged 11, and joined Cumberland United after a successful trial. ^[6] During his time at the Clarence Gardens outfit, Gauci represented South Australia in an under-14s national competition held at Coffs Harbour. ^[7] Gauci eventually joined the National Training Centre program where he was coached by Carl Veart at the time. ^[6]

Club career

Early career

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. ^[6] 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. ^{[9] [10]} After being released a year later, ^[11] Gauci signed with Adelaide City mid-season of the NPL South Australia in June 2019. ^{[12] [13]} He made eight league appearances in the 2019 season. ^[14] On 9 September, Gauci signed a scholarship contract with Melbourne City where he took part in the club's youth teams. ^{[15] [16]}

Adelaide United

On 7 October 2020, Gauci signed a scholarship deal with his hometown club Adelaide United after serving as a backup goalkeeper at Melbourne City. ^{[17] [18]} 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. ^[19] He kept his first clean sheet in the league on 28 March 2021 in a 1–0 win against Sydney FC. ^[20] The match was Adelaide's sixth consecutive win of the 2020–21 season, matching the club record in the 2005–06 season. ^{[21] [22]} Carl Veart, the head coach of Adelaide United, praised Gauci's performance on the team's success. ^[23]

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. ^[24] In the 2020–21 season, Gauci made 10 league appearances with three clean sheets and extended his contract for two years on 25 May. ^[25] 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. ^[26] He made his first appearance for the season, as to replace Delianov who sustained an injury mid-season, ^[27] on 8 January against Melbourne Victory. ^[28] By the end of the season, Gauci signed a three-year contract extension on 13 April 2023. ^[29]

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. ^[30] Adelaide United ended the season with a loss in the semi-final leg against Melbourne City. ^[31] In February 2024, midway of the 2023–24 season, Gauci departed Adelaide United with a total of 76 appearances and 16 clean sheets. ^[32]

Aston Villa

On 1 February 2024, Gauci signed for English Premier League club Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. ^[33] 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. ^[34] Gauci was on the bench for the February 2024 game against Nottingham Forest. ^[35]

Gauci made his Aston Villa debut on 24 September 2024, starting a EFL Cup tie away to Wycombe Wanderers. ^[36]

International career

Other than Australia, Gauci is eligible to represent New Zealand and Malta at international level. ^[3] 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. ^[37]

Gauci received his first official call-up to the Australia national team ahead of two friendly matches against Ecuador. ^[38] During the second friendly match on 28 March, Gauci earned his first international appearance, starting in Australia's 2–1 defeat at Marvel Stadium. ^{[39] [40]}

In January 2024, Gauci was called up to the Australia national team for the 2023 Asian Cup. ^[41]

Personal life

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. ^[42]

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. ^{[43] [44]} 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. ^[45]

Career statistics

Club

As of 30 October 2024 ^[28]

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	0	0	—		—		22	0
	2022–23		29	0	3	0	—		—		32	0
	2023–24		10	0	2	0	—		—		12	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

As of 15 October 2024 ^[46]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Australia	2023	1	0
	2024	6	0
Total		7	0

Honours

Individual

• PFA A-League Team of the Season: 2022–23 ^[47]

References

1. "Latest updated Premier League squad lists for 2023/24". Premier League. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
2. Joe Gauci at WorldFootball.net
3. 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.
4. "The Pitch Podcast Fan Q&A | Joe Gauci". Adelaide United.
5. Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenage goalkeeper Joe Gauci signs for A-League club Central Coast Mariners" . Adelaide Now. The Advertiser.
6. "House of Gauci: Joe's rise to the big time". Adelaide United. 9 November 2022.
7. 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.
8. Daou, Amir (24 April 2021). "'I made one save and that was it': Gauci's remarkable journey to the A-League". The Football Sack.
9. Greenwood, Rob (19 June 2018). "SA teenager gets A-League chance" . The West Australian . The Advertiser.
10. "Keepers Confirmed: Pearce re-signs & Gauci gained". Central Coast Mariners. 19 June 2018.
11. "Hiarej, Gameiro & Gauci depart Mariners". Central Coast Mariners. 21 May 2019.
12. Barbaro, Michael (4 June 2019). "Goalkeeper Gauci signs with City!". Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
13. 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.
14. "Joe Gauci - Player Statistics". GameDay.
15. "Melbourne City Bolsters Youth Ranks Offering Scholarships for the 2019/20 season to Talented Youngsters". Melbourne City. 9 September 2019.
16. "City finalise 2019/20 Foxtel Y-League Squad". Melbourne City. 14 November 2019.
17. "Reds sign Gauci ahead of 2020/21 Season". Adelaide United. 7 October 2020.
18. "House of Gauci: Joe's rise to the big time". Adelaide United. 9 November 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
19. "Reds jump into second after emphatic Victory triumph". Adelaide United. 13 March 2021.
20. 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.
21. "Reds sink Sydney for six straight wins!". Adelaide United. 28 March 2021.
22. "Gauci reflects on save and discusses Reds' belief". Adelaide United. 30 March 2021.
23. Gagliardi, Lee (28 March 2021). "New hero Gauci saves the day for Reds". 7NEWS.
24. Migliaccio, Val (23 May 2021). "Adelaide United defeat Victory to close in on finals dream". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire.
25. "Reds sign Gauci to two-year extension". Adelaide United. 25 May 2021.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. "Australia - J.Gauci - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
29. "Gauci extends with Reds until 2026". Adelaide United. 12 April 2023.
30. 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.
31. Marchetti, Christian (30 October 2023). "Continuity and holistic performances shaping Adelaide United's incredible 2023/24 start". Front Page Football. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
32. "Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci to the English Premier League". Adelaide United. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
33. "Aston Villa announce Joe Gauci signing". Aston Villa Football Club. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
34. "Goalkeeper Joe Gauci makes blockbuster Premier League move, joining Adelaide United exodus". ABC News. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
35. "Luiz double helps scintillating Villa beat Forest". BBC Sport.
36. "Gauci debuts at Wycombe Wanderers". Aston Villa Football Club. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
37. "Fresh faces & experienced Socceroos named as Australia gets set for Japan and Jeddah | Football Australia". Football Australia. 17 March 2022.
38. "Gauci, Bos, O'Neill and Robertson react to maiden Subway Socceroos call-ups | Socceroos". Socceroos. 14 March 2023.
39. "Australia 1–2 Ecuador (Mar 28, 2023) Game Analysis". ESPN. 28 March 2023.
40. "Dream come true for new Socceroo, Gauci". Adelaide United. 29 March 2023.
41. "Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed". Socceroos. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
42. "Gauci content with Cove contest". Adelaide United. 19 July 2023.
43. Filosi, Gianluca (28 April 2022). "Gauci and McNamara proud CCA Ambassadors". Adelaide United.
44. "Gauci pledge supports kids with cancer - Childhood Cancer Association". Childhood Cancer. 28 April 2022.
45. "Gauci to donate $1,100 to Childhood Cancer Association". Adelaide United. 23 May 2023.
46. "Joe Gauci". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
47. Larkin, Steve (29 May 2023). "City's Bos leads PFA A-League Men team of the season". Narromine News . Retrieved 29 May 2023.

External links

• Joe Gauci at Aston Villa F.C.
• Joe Gauci at Premier League
• Joe Gauci at Soccerway
• Joe Gauci – UEFA competition record ( archive )