Paul Okon-Engstler

Born in Belgium while his father, former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon was playing for Belgian Pro League club K.V. Oostende, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia in 2006 as a one-year-old when his father signed for the Newcastle Jets. He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers. In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.

Benfica

While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts from Benfica, despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament. He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.

Sydney FC

In July 2025, Okon-Engstler signed for A-League Men side Sydney FC on a three-year deal. His debut for the club came against Western United in the opening round of the 2025 Australia Cup.

Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Australia through his father and Cuba through his mother. He holds Italian citizenship. In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature. He made his debut for the Australia under-23 team during the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament. In June 2025, Okon was called up for the Socceroos squad for qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia. On 31 May 2026, Okon-Engstler was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A composed, left-footed defensive midfielder, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.

Club

As of 4 September 2026

International

As of match played 3 July 2026