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Jackson Irvine has played for the Socceroos in 3 World Cups. He's played for Celtic, Hull City, Hibs, FC St. Pauli and is now getting at taste of the J-League with Cerezo Osaka. He's a box-to-box midfielder of the type that isn't so common anymore. And he definitely knows what it takes to make it as a footballer and avoid the 'failed' label. He tells OlanTekkers how he made it, how he got through countless trials with European clubs and how Japanese football compares to the German, Scottish and English style of play. Plus, his life outside football and what he gets up to: DJing, fashion and learning Japanese. If you're wondering how the A-League compares to European leagues, or what you need to do to get to the top of football anywhere in the world, this is the conversation for you.   In this episode: 00:00 Jackson Irvine on Life in Japan & the J.League 01:10 Culture Shock: Germany vs Japan 02:14 Learning Japanese & Language Barriers 03:59 J.League vs Bundesliga: Which League Is Better? 05:39 Why Japanese Players Are So Technical 07:03 Jackson Irvine's Journey from Victoria to Celtic 10:05 Does Australian Football Let Talents Slip Through the Cracks? 12:03 How Jackson Irvine Earned a Celtic Contract at 16 15:00 What Is Australia's Football Identity? 16:58 Why This Socceroos Generation Is Different 20:02 Jackson Irvine Reflects on the FIFA World Cup 23:51 Do Australians Only Care About the Socceroos During World Cups? 26:41 The Most Underrated Socceroo Ever? 28:46 Football, Fashion & Jackson Irvine's Style 29:52 Jackson Irvine's Music Career & Radio Show 31:01 Why Footballers Need Passions Outside the Game 32:39 Brazil, the Socceroos & What's Next for Jackson Irvine   Follow the Failed Footballer: https://www.instagram.com/failedfootballerpod Follow Olan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers  Follow Olan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was VAR Chaos in the Manchester derby - should Haaland's goal have stood? Should Bruno Fernandes have been sent off too? Lucas Harrington's Premier League breakout season continues as Hull hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw. How are they doing so well? Mohamed Touré's scoring run continues: how's he doing it? The Men's and Women's NPL Grand Finals delivered on the drama and the goals And it's the big NPL vs A-League debate: where should young players be aiming to get to? The Manchester Derby delivered on the drama once again. OlanTekkers and Kat Haddad debate whether Michael Carrick can finally solve Manchester United's post-Ferguson problems, and vent about another VAR controversy after officials admitted a mistake in City's win. They also check in on two Socceroos flying overseas, with Lucas Harrington helping Hull continue their dream Premier League start and Mohamed Touré's incredible scoring run continuing. Back home, the NSW NPL Grand Finals delivered drama, stunning goals and massive crowds, sparking a bigger conversation about the role of NPL football in Australia. Are young players better off chasing the A-League pathway or building careers through the NPL? What are the financial realities facing Australian footballers? And are clubs doing enough to benefit from the success of players they develop before they're sold overseas?   Host: OlanTekkers Host: Kat Haddad   In this episode:  00:00 Manchester Derby Chaos & Michael Carrick's United 03:07 Red Card Controversy Sparks Debate 04:32 VAR Admits Haaland Goal Error 06:11 Hull's Dream Premier League Start 08:51 Mohamed Touré Can't Stop Scoring 11:31 NPL Women's Grand Final Goes to 120 Minutes 14:57 One of the Best NPL Goals You'll Ever See? 16:10 Why Sydney United's Fans Are Different 17:31 NPL vs A-League: Which Means More? 18:20 Is the NPL Australia's Version of the MLS? 19:55 Why Some Players Choose NPL Over A-League 22:06 The NPL Stories We Need More Of 23:50 Are Australian Clubs Missing Out on Transfer Money? 24:25 The MLS Pathway for Young Aussies 25:23 Nestor Irankunda's Transfer Fee Explained 26:12 Did Brisbane Roar Miss Out on Millions? 27:32 How Australian Football Can Benefit from Future Transfers 28:04 Should Young Players Choose the A-League or NPL? Follow the Failed Footballer on Instagram: @failedfootballerpod Follow Olan on Instagram: @olantekkers Follow Olan on TikTok: @olantekkers The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's it like getting to the highest levels of football but then falling back down the pyramid? Alou Kuol went from winning trophies with the Central Coast Mariners and signing for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, to the Mariners again, and finally to the NPL. He opens up about the highs of making it in Europe, the setbacks that followed, and what keeps him chasing the top level. Plus, advice for young players who are trialing at top clubs, life in Germany and how the top-flight in Europe compares to the A-League. OlanTekkers also breaks down Australia's shock failure to qualify for the U20 2027 Asian Cup, the Aussie stars lighting up Europe, and whether the next generation can take Aussie football forward.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OlanTekkers wraps up the performances of our Aussie footballers playing abroad. Mo Toure is on fire 3 games into the EFL Championship season - scoring a brace for Norwich City. Lucas Herrington got 30 minutes in the Premier League for Hull City against Coventry, and Patrick Beach pulled off a worldie of save in Ligue 1 for Troyes. The future looks bright for Aussie football - the 2030 World Cup is going to be interesting. Plus, an interview with 20 year-old Macarthur Bulls midfielder Oliver Randazzo. Hear how he made it to the top of Aussie football, and what it takes to stay there. The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestory Irankunda talks his career-changing move to Portugese giants Sporting CP, how he bounced back from a difficult period in his career, and why the A-League deserves more respect. Plus, future Aussie stars to watch, how Turkiye fired up the Socceroos with their World Cup antics and what can be done to nurture more home-grown talent. One of Australia's most exciting football prospects ever gives OlanTekkers a glimpse into life as a footballer at the very top. The failed footballer interviews the successful one. Enjoy Follow the Failed Footballer: https://www.instagram.com/failedfootballerpod/ Follow Olan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers/ Follow Olan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers?lang=en The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it.  All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OlanTekkers goes down to the Central Coast Mariners training ground to see how they do it at elite level. How do you go from youth academy, to NPL, to A-League? What does it take to make the jump? First-team players and academy graduates Harrison Steele and Lucas Mauragis share their journey, give advice for young players coming through the system and tell us what you need to make it at the highest level in Australia. Plus, the new European season is underway, and Spurs and United are being their usual selves in the Premier League. Spurs lost 3-0 to Brentford while United lost 2-0 to newly promote Hull City. It was Australia's third youngest player to debut in the EPL that had everyone excited though; could Lucas Herrington become one of the all-time great Aussie footballers? How to avoid being a failed footballer, and a spotlight on an exciting young Aussie talent overseas - that's what you can expect from the Failed Football podcast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like spending three weeks fighting for your dream, only to be let go in a two and a half minute meeting? How do you handle the emotional heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad after giving everything for your country? And what is the reality of player-manager relationships at the highest level? This week, Socceroos striker Mitch Duke joins OlanTekkers for a raw, unfiltered conversation about national team selections, manager dynamics, and the toughest moments of his career. We get the exclusive inside story on his relationship with Australia manager Tony Popovic, the brutal reality of squad cut-offs, and what went down during that brief exit meeting in Florida before the 2026 World Cup. Mitch opens up about the frustration of spending weeks in camp away from his kids, only to be delivered the disappointing news in minutes. Beyond the Popovic selection drama, Mitch reflects on his iconic 2022 World Cup header against Tunisia, his rise from the A-League to becoming a fan favourite in Japan's J-League, and how he built the mentality to navigate elite football's biggest highs and brutal lows. What went through his head during that brief conversation with Popovic? How does a player process being left out after giving everything in qualification? And how do you pick yourself up and stay proud after such a devastating setback? Plus, Mitch shares his advice for young strikers coming through the ranks, discusses life with his family in Japan, and reflects on his lasting legacy in green and gold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain had 20 shots. Argentina didn't have a shot until the 117th minute. Just what exactly happened?  Guest host and football tragic Nick Stav and iHeart sports reporter John Bric unpack all the stats and baffling tactical decisions from the 2026 World Cup Final. Why did Argentina coach Scaloni play so negatively? Why did Trump refuse to get off the stage? And is Rodri really the most deserving Player of the Tournament? Plus, who's on for the Balon D'Or now Messi, Mbappe and Kane each left without a World Cup win? What sort of goalscoring records is Mbappe going to win as he looks ahead to 2030? And how does this tournament rank compared to previous World Cups? The World Cup is done but The Failed Footballer is not. OlanTekkers will be back with a weekly podcast covering the biggest stories from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, A-League, NPL and Champions League as the 26/27 season gets underway on August 22.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England were minutes away from a World Cup final, then Tuchel pressed the self-destruct button. Messi did Messi things and Argentina turned it around. How did it happen? Olan is in the UK trying to get over the loss, so Kat Haddad jumps into the host chair to unpack England's heartbreaking semi-final loss to Argentina, and the fallout from one of the biggest games of the tournament. The dust has settled and we've heard more opinions than ever, but there's still more to say.  NRL legend and host of UNSCRIPTED Josh Mansour joins Kat to analyse the game and debate:  How did Thomas Tuchel get it so wrong?  How have Spain snuck under the radar into the final?  And is this the biggest missed opportunity of the modern England era? We then look ahead to Sunday's World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina - Europe's champions against the defending world champions. Will Lamine Yamal finally step up? Plus, how does this World Cup compare to previous years? Is it just too American? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really happened before Patrick Beach was subbed off for Maty Ryan in the World Cup Round of 32 against Egypt? What does it take to spend more than a decade as Australia's No.1 goalkeeper? And how do you go from Blacktown City to the Premier League? This week, Socceroos captain and player in FOUR World Cups Maty Ryan joins OlanTekkers for an honest conversation about the moments that shaped his career. We go right back to Maty's beginnings in Western Sydney, his time at Westfield Sports High (fellow alumni includes Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy) and the mentality that helped him make the leap from NPL to the biggest leagues in Europe. We also get the inside story on Australia's World Cup campaign, Popovic's selection decisions, Patrick Beach's breakout tournament and how Maty handled the disappointment of watching from the sidelines while still helping drive the team forward behind the scenes. What was going through his head when he was told he'd be coming on for a penalty shootout? Did he always believe he'd make it to the top? And why do Australian footballers still have to work twice as hard to earn respect overseas? Plus, Maty shares his advice for young goalkeepers, explains why mentality matters more than talent, discusses Australia's next generation, and reveals whether he still believes a spot at the 2030 World Cup is within reach. One of Australia's greatest footballers tells his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you get yourself sent off for diving in the 70th minute at 1-1 with the current WC champions? Why was a stadium camera involved in a controversial goal? And are Spain good enough to stop France? These questions answered and more, as A-League sideline reporter and Channel 10 presenter Kat Haddad join OlanTekkers to break down all the biggest talking points from the World Cup quarter-finals. We discuss England's controversial win over Norway, analyse Jude Bellingham's match-winning performance, and debate whether the English media are creating unnecessary drama between Thomas Tuchel and his players. Also we chat Switzerland's heartbreaking exit to Argentina after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation, a moment that completely changed the game. Did Switzerland throw away their best chance at a World Cup semi-final?  Plus, we preview the two blockbuster semi-finals: England vs Argentina  France vs Spain  Who makes the final? Can England stop Messi and Argentina? Is France's attack too strong for Spain? And has this been the most controversial World Cup ever? We also chat Socceroos, A-League talent, Australia's next generation, and whether FIFA should expand the World Cup to 64 teams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentina's path to the semi-final: Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland. We're not one for conspiracies but there's too many coincidences to ignore. OlanTekkers unpacks the calls that weren't given, but should have been, and the the ones that were - but shouldn't. Penalties not given, goals disallowed, red cards not given - it's been a shocking display of refereeing all tournament. Plus, can Australian football every get itself sorted and make a proper bid for a World Cup? What would need to happen for a men's World Cup to come down under? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA corruption, the game of the tournament so far and Ronaldo finally bows out of the World Cup without his much-desired win. OlanTekkers is joined by Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares to talk all the big World Cup stories, the shocking round of 16 results and how you go from NPL to the A-League. This week Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino asking to have USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card overturned. In a blatant show of corruption, the FIFA president did it. But the USA still couldn't win - Belgium beat them 4-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals. England played Mexico at 2km above sea level, and it was the game of the World Cup. Mexico hadn’t conceded a goal all tournament. They’d only had two previous competitive losses at the Azteca. And somehow, the Three Lions walked away with a win...it was one of the best England victories in World Cup history.  We also look back on the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign. Was reaching the Round of 32 a success? Are we still underdogs? And what needs to happen if Australia wants to stop celebrating participation and start expecting knockout wins?   And finally... the end of an era. Penaldo is no more at the national level. Portugal are out. Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is over. Spain march on. We discuss his legacy and whether we will ever see anything like it again.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys fought hard. Souttar and Herrington, despite missing pens, can hold their heads high. So the Aussies crash out on penalties and Egypt go through. At least it's new territory for us - out in the round of 32 instead of the round of 16. Their stock is rising and a big summer move looks likely.  We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond.   This episode OlanTekkers unpacks 120 minutes of World Cup football, with questions around team selection, substitutions and attacking tactics. Did we deserve to go through? Maybe.  Plus, iHeart sports reporter John Bric was there in Dallas and he shares his take on the game: what Popovich got right and wrong, where to next for the Socceroos and how the young players can bounce back.  We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OlanTekkers and Nick Stav look ahead to the round of 16 with Australia, Egypt, Argentina and Cabo Verde still to play. Will the Socceroos make history and beat Egypt? Will Mo Salah play? If he does, who's going to stop him? Who starts for the Socceroos and who plays where? Plus, our Aussie stars like Bos, Irunkunda and Herrington are attracting serious interest from top clubs like Barcelona and Premier League-bound Hull City. Who's going to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup? We go in deep on the tactics, players and matchups that are going to decide. And it was one of the games of the World Cup: Ronaldo v Modric AKA Portugal v Croatia. Literally a hair's breadth was all that separated Croatia and Portugal. Ronaldo had a goal disallowed, then Croatia had one chalked off with the last kick of the game. Insane scenes and Portugal advance while Croatia go home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.