Harry Kewell has been the talk of Australian football for many years. Born, Harrison Kewell in Smithfield NSW on the 22nd September 1978, Harry as we know him, got his big break with Leeds United in the English Premier League. In this article we go back in time and recount his previous playing history.

Harry was raised in the south west suburb of Smithfield where he attended Smithfield Public School and his high school years started at St John’s Park High School before moving to Westfields Sports High School under their Youth Football Program. Harry played representative Youth football for both school and club, and also represented the state of NSW in the Youth Competitions and was part of the NSW Soccer Academy of Sport. His Premier Youth team at the time was Marconi Soccer Club where he played from 13 to 15 years.

At 15, Kewell was offered the chance to trial for English Premier League team Leeds United over four weeks. After his trial Kewell was offered a position at the club.  At 17, Kewell made his debut with Leeds United. That same year, 1996, Kewell also made his debut for Australia against Chile. Harry’s first goal for Leeds United came in 1997 in the League Cup game against Stoke City. Kewell had the opportunity to play a UEFA Cup semi final against Galatasaray 1999/00.

By 2002/03 Leeds United was struggling in terms of funds and having sold many players, their form dropped. After what would become a very public and suspicious transfer, Kewell signed with Liverpool FC after snubbing an offer from Manchester United for the 2003/04 season. Kewell’s shirt number at Liverpool FC would be 7.

May 2005 saw Harry Kewell be the first Australian born player to win a UEFA Champions League. Harry also played in the 2005/06 FA Cup final where he tore a groin muscle.

April 2007, Kewell made his come back to Liverpool FC reserves after nearly a year on the sidelines. 2007/08 Kewell is again plagued by injuries at the start of the new season. Reports in the local British news quickly spreads that Kewell could be on his way out of Liverpool FC.

By 2008, Kewell surrounded by speculation about his future returns to Australia to represent his country sporting the green and gold of the Socceroos, playing the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

July 2008 Harry Kewell announces his new contract with Turkish club Galatasaray. This comes as a surprise to many as rumours had Kewell receiving offers from AS Roma.

Harry Kewell has played over 270 professional football games and has scored more than 50 professional goals. As a Socceroo, Kewell has made over 35 appearances and scored 11 goals and wore the captains armband.