Source : ABC NEWS
Lucas Herrington has gone to number one with a bullet in 2026, at a speed so dizzying it would leave many teenagers’ heads spinning.
Turning 19 this weekend, he is fresh off a breakthrough World Cup, has a multi-million-dollar contract in the best football league in the world, and has fans fawning over him.
But true to his persona on the pitch, the central defender is calm, level-headed and capable of tackling any challenge.
“My parents have always instilled that factor of humility in my life and having that humbleness to stay grounded and just to keep working hard,” he told Australian media on a call from Hull.
“I’m always trying to get better. So I think it’s always having that positive mindset that I’ve still got a lot of things to work on. And I’m not the finished product.”
Herrington was one of Australia’s best players throughout the recent World Cup. (Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Herrington made his bolt-from-the-blue Socceroos debut in March, which turned into a maiden World Cup appearance a few months later.
His impressive efforts in North America captured interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world including Barcelona and Liverpool.
But he settled on Hull City, newly promoted in the English Premier League, and a five-year deal for a transfer fee reportedly worth $33 million with add-ons, to become the most expensive Australian player ever.
Alessandro Circati recently joined that rich list with his transfer from Parma to Benfica.
Herrington with his manager, Buddy Farah, after signing his record deal with Hull City last month. (Supplied: Hull City)
The money is astronomical for an Australian footballer, and despite his down-to-earth nature, even Herrington was lured in by the EPL stereotype of fancy, fast cars.
“It’s a nice car park. I do have a car right now; it’s nice. I’m enjoying it,” he laughed, almost sheepishly.
But when he speaks about his off-field highlights in his few weeks in England, the teenager goes back to keeping it real.
“Mum’s here at the moment. She leaves soon, so I’ve just been exploring around with her,” he said.
“So that’s been really nice, some great quality time with her.”
Advice from a legend
Herrington made his debut for the Tigers off the bench in their upset win over Manchester United.
“It was only a week and a couple of days from when I landed to that game against Man United,” he said.
“Great moment for the city and for me personally, with my mum and my agent in the stands, it was a super proud moment for me.
“And it was a great match, very grateful for the opportunity to be there.”
Herrington celebrated the Tigers’ upset win over Manchester United to open their season. (Getty Images: Molly Darlington)
He was again used as a substitute in a win over Coventry, while he started the EFL Cup penalty shootout win against Stoke.
A strong show of confidence for the youngster, who is the only Australian in England’s top flight.
“It’s probably the best league in the world. So to be here at 18 is super special,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity from the coaching staff and the club to do so. And I’ve loved my first three or so weeks here.
“It’s a league with the best players in the world, so to be up against them every week is really special and a great challenge for me as a young defender.
“It’s just about trying to learn as much as possible from the older boys in the team and just try and take every game as a lesson.”
And don’t mistake his modesty for meekness; he knows he belongs.
A message reinforced by former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović, who publicly supported Herrington after missing a penalty in the Socceroos’ World Cup round of 32 shootout loss to Egypt.
Herrington received plenty of public support after Australia exited the World Cup. (Getty Images: Alex Slitz)
“This is just the beginning of your career,” Ibrahimović said on Fox Sports USA’s post-game analysis.
“You stepping up there, you show a lot of courage. Not everybody would do that. My friend, you’re the best. Don’t listen to the rest. Listen, Herrington, if you want to reach out, I’m here.”
Ibrahimović made good on his promise and ended up calling the Queensland product himself.
“He just said, really don’t fear anyone. I’m here for a reason, so just go enjoy,” Herrington said.
Dreams do come true
Herrington’s meteoric rise means he has not yet played for Australia in his home state.
Herrington is hoping to play in the Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil in Queensland. (Getty Images: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)
Something the former Roar product hopes to do in the Socceroos’ friendlies against Brazil later this month, in Townsville and Brisbane.
“It’d be a dream come true to play for the Socceroos in Brisbane,” he said.
“Something that I’ve always wanted to do, and to play in front of hopefully a packed-out Suncorp would be a dream, and in front of my family and friends would be awesome.”
And he is happy to be a role model for others.
“Just trying to be an inspiration for all the young Australians that there is really a pathway to the Premier League,” he said.
“I think a lot of young footballers in Australia like me wake up at all hours in the morning to watch the Premier League.
“So hopefully I can make them proud, make Australia proud.
“Just to keep working hard, enjoy the process, and to have big dreams because dreams do come true.”
