Jason Culina facts for kids
Culina in 2010
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jason Culina | |||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 5 August 1980 | |||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | |||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | |||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | |||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||
| St Albans | ||||||||||||||||
| Melbourne Knights | ||||||||||||||||
| 1994–1996 | Sydney United | |||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||
| 1996–1998 | Sydney United | 32 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 1998–1999 | Sydney Olympic | 21 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2000–2004 | Ajax | 3 | (0) | |||||||||||||
| 2001 | → Germinal Beerschot (loan) | 12 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2002–2003 | → De Graafschap (loan) | 24 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2004–2005 | Twente | 38 | (12) | |||||||||||||
| 2005–2009 | PSV | 98 | (3) | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2011 | Gold Coast United | 44 | (8) | |||||||||||||
| 2011 | Newcastle Jets | 0 | (0) | |||||||||||||
| 2012–2013 | Sydney FC | 8 | (2) | |||||||||||||
| Total | 280 | (29) | ||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||
| 1996–1997 | Australia U-17 | 5 | (6) | |||||||||||||
| 1999 | Australia U-20 | 4 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 1998–2000 | Australia U-23 | 16 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2005–2011 | Australia | 58 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Managerial career | ||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Sydney United 58 | |||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||
Jason Culina, born on August 5, 1980, is a former Australian soccer player and coach. He was a talented midfielder who played for Australia's national team, often called the Socceroos. Jason represented his country in two FIFA World Cup and two AFC Asian Cup tournaments. He also played for many years in the Netherlands, where he won four Eredivisie titles, which is the top soccer league there.
Contents
Playing Career
Jason Culina started his soccer journey at Sydney United 58 FC under his father, Branko Culina, who was a coach. He then moved to AFC Ajax in the Netherlands, a very famous club. At first, he found it tough there.
Shining in the Netherlands
Jason truly began to show his skills when he joined FC Twente. His great performances led him to another top Dutch club, PSV Eindhoven. At PSV, he played a more defensive role in the midfield, helping protect his team's goal. He was very successful in this position. In his last year at PSV, he even played as a right-back, showing how versatile he was.
Returning to Australia
In 2009, Jason decided to come back to Australia. He wanted a new challenge and to help improve the soccer league in his home country. He signed with Gold Coast United FC and became their first "marquee player," which means he was a big-name player brought in to attract fans. He even scored a goal in his first friendly match for the club.
Later, in 2011, Jason planned to join his father, Branko Culina, at Newcastle Jets FC. However, he suffered a long-term injury and missed the entire 2011–12 season. He continued to train and recover with the club.
In 2012, Jason signed with Sydney FC. But he left the club less than a year later after a disagreement with the manager. Jason Culina officially announced his retirement from playing soccer on June 18, 2013.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Jason Culina started a new path in coaching.
Early Coaching Roles
In 2015, he joined the coaching staff at King's School, Parramatta, helping their first soccer team. The next year, in 2016, he moved to St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. There, he was the technical director of football and coached the First XI team.
Leading Sydney United 58
On August 16, 2017, Jason was appointed head coach of Sydney United 58 FC, the same club where he started his playing career. He coached the team for eight games, winning four and losing four, before stepping down from the role.
As of 2025, Jason Culina coaches the Under 12's team at Sydney United 58 FC. In August 2023, he also joined Western Sydney Wanderers as their Head of Academy Coaches, helping to develop young soccer talent.
International Career
Jason Culina made his first appearance for the Australia national team, known as the Socceroos, in 2005 against South Africa. He quickly became a regular player under coach Guus Hiddink, who also coached him at PSV.
World Cup Appearances
His first international goal was in September 2005, against the Solomon Islands in Sydney. Jason played a key role in Australia's journey to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He played in both matches of the play-off against Uruguay, which Australia won in a thrilling penalty shootout. He was chosen for the World Cup squad in Germany and played in all four of Australia's matches during the tournament.
On March 3, 2010, Jason Culina was named captain of Australia for the first time in a match against Indonesia, which Australia won 1–0. He officially retired from international soccer on June 18, 2013.
Personal Life
Jason Culina is the youngest son of Branko Culina, who was also a well-known soccer coach for clubs like Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets. Jason has Croatian family roots.
On February 5, 2007, Jason and his wife Terri welcomed their first child, a son named Roman. Roman has followed in his father's footsteps and is also a soccer player, currently playing for the Sydney United 58 Under 20's team.
Honours and Awards
Jason Culina achieved many successes during his playing career.
Club Trophies
- Ajax
- KNVB Cup: 2001–02
- Eredivisie: 2003–04
- PSV
- Eredivisie: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
- Russian Railways Cup: 2007
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2008
National Team Achievements
- Australia
- AFC Asian Cup: Runner-up in 2011
Individual Awards
- Gold Coast United Player of the Year: 2009–10
See also
In Spanish: Jason Čulina para niños
