Early Life & Background
Harry Kewell, one of Australia’s most celebrated footballers, was born on September 22, 1978, in Smithfield, Sydney, New South Wales. Growing up in Western Sydney, he was passionate about football from a young age. He played for local clubs such as Smithfield Hotspurs and Club Marconi, and his skills quickly attracted attention.
Kewell comes from a mixed heritage: his father, Rod Kewell, is from England, and his mother, Helen, is Australian. This dual heritage allowed him to hold both Australian and British citizenship, a factor that would later play a crucial role in his football career.
Harry Kewell Football Career: Rise to Fame
Kewell’s football journey began at the tender age of 15, when he moved to England to join the youth academy of Leeds United. It didn’t take long for him to impress with his extraordinary skills. At 17, he made his debut for the Leeds senior team in 1996. During his time at Leeds, Kewell established himself as one of the brightest talents in English football. He played 181 league games, scoring 45 goals, and was a key figure in Leeds’ run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2000-01. His performance earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2000.
In 2003, Kewell made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC, fulfilling his childhood dream. Although injuries plagued his time at Liverpool, he still had notable moments, including being part of the squad that won the 2005 UEFA Champions League. Kewell became the only Australian male player to win this prestigious tournament. His time at Liverpool saw him also win the FA Cup in 2006.
After Liverpool, Kewell’s career took him to Galatasaray, a major Turkish club, in 2008. There, he became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “Büyücü Harry” (Harry the Wizard) due to his dazzling performances. Kewell later returned to Australia, playing for Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart before retiring from professional football in 2014.
International Career: The Socceroos
Harry Kewell made his debut for the Australia national football team, known as the Socceroos, in 1996 at just 17 years old. Over the course of his international career, Kewell earned 58 caps and scored 17 goals. He represented Australia in the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2010, as well as the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 and 2011. His most memorable moment came during the 2006 World Cup, when he scored a crucial goal against Croatia, sending Australia to the knockout rounds.
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Kewell’s role in Australia’s football rise remains pivotal. He was not only a key player in World Cup qualifications but also played a major part in elevating the Socceroos’ standing on the global stage.
Harry Kewell Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Kewell shifted his focus to coaching. He obtained his UEFA B and A licenses and began managing clubs. He started his coaching career as the U-21 manager at Watford in 2015.
Kewell’s managerial roles included stints at Crawley Town FC in England’s League Two, Notts County FC, Oldham Athletic, and Barnet FC. His coaching journey has been a mix of highs and challenges. He is still in the early stages of his managerial career, which continues to evolve with each new club he takes on.
Harry Kewell Personal Life: Family, Spouse, & Children
Harry Kewell’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, largely due to his high-profile marriage to Sheree Murphy, an English actress. The couple married in Las Vegas on May 25, 2002. Together, they have four children: Taylor (born 2001), Ruby (born 2003), Matilda (born 2008), and Dolly (born 2012).
Kewell has often spoken about the importance of his family, and he balances his professional life with spending time with them. Despite his high-profile career, he has managed to maintain a relatively private family life, far from the media’s constant scrutiny.
Harry Kewell Religion & Nationality
Harry Kewell is Australian by nationality, born and raised in Sydney, Australia. He also holds British nationality, thanks to his father’s English heritage. As for his religion, Kewell has never publicly spoken about his personal religious beliefs, so it remains private.
Harry Kewell Net Worth
Harry Kewell’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $19.5 million as of 2025, derived from his successful playing career in the Premier League, his achievements in the UEFA Champions League, and various coaching roles. Additionally, endorsements, particularly from brands like Politix and Nike, have contributed to his wealth.
Height
Kewell stands at a height of 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches), a decent stature for a footballer, which complemented his agility and speed on the field.
Legacy & Controversies
Harry Kewell is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest footballers. However, his career is not without controversy. One of the most talked-about issues was his move from Leeds United to Liverpool in 2003, which left many Leeds fans feeling betrayed. His transfer to Galatasaray in 2008 further fuelled animosity, especially after the tragic stabbing incident involving Leeds fans in Istanbul during a match with Galatasaray. Although Kewell wasn’t involved, many Leeds fans felt his move to the club was insensitive.
Despite this, Kewell’s contributions to Australian football and his on-field talent remain indisputable. His Champions League victory with Liverpool and his incredible goal against Croatia in the 2006 World Cup will forever be etched in Australian football history.
Conclusion
Harry Kewell’s career has been a mixture of glory, controversy, and immense contribution to both club and country. From his rise as a youth sensation in Sydney to becoming a household name in English and Turkish football, Kewell’s legacy is secure. Whether as a player, coach, or family man, Kewell continues to be a prominent figure in the world of football.
His ability to inspire young athletes and represent Australia at the highest levels has solidified his place as one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers. As he continues his journey in coaching, the football world will undoubtedly see more from the man known for his dazzling skills and passionate commitment to the sport.