Robbie Slater OAM

Robbie Slater OAM is one of the most recognisable and respected figures in Australian football. A former Socceroo, English Premier League champion, writer, philanthropist and senior analyst with Fox Sports, Robbie brings a rare blend of elite sporting achievement, resilience and authenticity to every stage he steps onto.

Born in England and raised in Australia, Robbie discovered his passion for football at a young age. He began his professional career with St George Saints in the National Soccer League in 1982, winning an NSL Championship the following year. Early promise saw him trial with Nottingham Forest in the UK, before returning to Australia and continuing his domestic career with Sydney Croatia, and later moving to Europe.

Robbie’s international club career took him to Belgium and then France, where he played with Lens from 1990 to 1994. During this period, he survived a near-death experience after being attacked by rival supporters — a defining moment that shaped his outlook on life, resilience and perspective beyond sport.

In 1994, Robbie joined Blackburn Rovers and made history as the first Australian to win the English FA Premier League. His UK career also included stints with West Ham United, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he earned Southampton Footballer of the Year honours in 1997.

Returning to Australia, Robbie was appointed inaugural captain of the Northern Spirit in the NSL and played until his retirement at the end of the 2000–2001 season. He later took on a player-coach role with Manly Warringah, continuing his leadership contribution to the game.

Internationally, Robbie earned 44 caps for the Socceroos. His representative career included selection for the 1988 Olympic Games, the Bicentennial Gold Cup, and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Australia finished runners-up to Brazil. He was part of the infamous 1997 World Cup qualifier against Iran — a match that remains one of the most talked-about moments in Australian football history. His contribution to the national team has been recognised with induction into the Football Federation Australia Football Hall of Fame.

Across his career, Robbie received numerous accolades including Oceania Footballer of the Year in 1991 and 1993, and runner-up in the Oceania Footballer of the Decade poll for 1988–1997. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to football.

Since retiring, Robbie has authored his autobiography The Hard Way, founded the Robbie Slater Football Academy to develop young talent while supporting charitable causes, and built a successful media career as a senior analyst and commentator with Fox Sports.

A natural people person, Robbie is a dynamic and engaging speaker who draws on elite sport, adversity and leadership at the highest level to inspire audiences around performance, resilience, teamwork and mindset.