Just over a month after capturing the hearts of the nation, Ymer Abili has his sight set on greener pastures as the goalkeeper prodigy signs with Melbourne City’s youth academy.
The 13-year-old became the youngest player to grace the Australia Cup competition when he was substituted for experienced keeper Lewis Italiano in the 88th minute of Oakleigh Cannons’ semi-final match with Macarthur FC.
Abili said the experience of making his senior debut and gaining worldwide attention was something he “can’t forget.”
“The technical director called me and told me I was going to be on the bench against Macarthur and I was like ‘you have got to be kidding me’,” he explained.
“I was shocked, I didn’t know what to expect.
“To see all the people there, it was so surreal.
“I was just happy to be there and represent the club then I went on, I was so happy.
“My friends and family were so proud, my dad ran onto the pitch after the game to congratulate me and hug me, my parents were very proud to see come on.
“For everyone else, they were just happy to see a local lad coming on and doing something good for the community.”
The next morning, the youngster went to school as it was any other Thursday, however, things were different.
“Channel 10 came to my school and the reporters were there with the microphones and the cameras,” he said.
“Everyone was shocked, all the teachers were looking at me and thinking what has this kid done?
“After that, they found out and all the teachers were so proud of me, and my mates were so proud of me.
“Kids came up to me to congratulate me and I just wanted to show that anything is possible in football, that’s why it is the best sport in the world.”
Despite starting his career as a center-back at Doveton Soccer Club, he soon found his purpose between the posts and hasn’t looked back.
“I fell in love with the game just playing,” Abili said.
“Sometimes if you have struggles just go to the pitch, get the ball and start juggling and just enjoy it.
“After I did trials at Oakleigh Cannons, and I made it there, and obviously it has gone really well.
“They are a wonderful family there; the community is absolutely great.”
On October 4, Abili was also given the opportunity to be a part of the 2022-23 A-League launch at Allianz Stadium where he was able to meet some of his childhood heroes.
“It was a great experience going up to Sydney to promote the new A-League season,” he said.
“I met some superstar players there, (Andrew) Redmayne and all the A-League superstars.
“I also did a video with Billy Wingrove from the F2, shooting with him was surreal.
“It was really good because I have been watching him since I was a little kid.”
Wingrove told his social media following Abili was an “absolute legend” after their interaction.
“What a keeper, by far the best 13-year I have shot against,” he said.
“It was like shooting against an adult, look out for this guy.”
Although Abili’s Oakleigh journey may be coming to an end, he was grateful for everything that has come his way so far.
“I would like to thank my family for always believing in me and allowing me to follow my dreams,” he said.
“I would also like to thank Chris Taylor for giving me the opportunity to come on against Macarthur.
"I hope to set an example for the youth out there so they can see that anything is possible.
“I hope one day I play for my favourite team, Manchester United.
'Working hard always gets you places so hopefully one day you’ll see me playing at Old Trafford”