Charbel Shamoon has signed his first professional contract at Western United, joining the brigade of enthralling young talents at Ironbark Fields.
The Iraq youth international made his senior breakthrough in the 2023-24 A-League Men’s season, debuting against Wellington Phoenix in February and going on to make five appearances in total.
The 20-year-old full-back joined the Western United Academy in 2022 and immediately impressed with his technical ability on the flank.
Continuing to develop his game in the youth system, Shamoon took on the captain’s armband at stages throughout the 2024 campaign, helping Diogo Ferreira’s squad to another strong campaign.
Shamoon has also shone internationally, starring with the Iraq under-20 national team and reaching the AFC under-20 Asian Cup final in 2023.
Now the eighth player to sign a scholarship contract out of the Western United Academy this off-season, Shamoon is ready to repay the faith.
“It’s my first professional contract, ever since you’re a young kid you dream of it. For it to be with Western United is an honour because I came through the academy,” he said.
“The academy program has been huge. Every season I’ve developed and I’ve got something from all the coaches on the field and off the field.
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato highlighted yet another positive moment for a talented young player in United’s environment.
“Charbel has been another product of all of the positive work in our academy space, developing his game over the past two years and earning opportunities with the first team last season,” he said.
“His commitment to learning and improving his football is exemplary, also complemented by his professionalism and work ethic. These attributes have seen Charbel develop supremely in our environment.
“We are delighted for Charbel and for all of our academy talents making the step up this season, and I look forward to seeing their continued development.”
Shamoon and his teammates continue to work through pre-season training ahead of theA-League season opener, with the first home game back at Ironbark Fields set for October 20 against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Meanwhile, United has announced some new women’s signings and a couple of re-signings.
United has fortified its young defensive core ahead of the women’s season with the signings of Bulleen Lions stars Isabel Dehakiz and Claudia Mihocic.
Dehakiz won the National Premier League Women’s players’ player of the year at the Victorian Football Gala having previously played professionally in Colombia and been on the Portland Thorns roster as a replacement player.
Mihocic brings ready-made A-League experience to Ironbark Fields with 16 appearances for Perth Glory and has represented Australia with the Junior and Young Matildas.
