At 19, he’d scored in a World Cup qualification play-off, in front of 128,000 people in Tehran. The heartbreak of Australia’s two-legged defeat to the Iranians had a deeply felt effect among the group.

Losing in such acrimonious circumstances in front of 98,000 passionate fans at the MCG - when the National Soccer League in Australia would struggle to get 5,000 to a game - ate at the Socceroos psyche, and led to the lowest morale surrounding the game in Australian history.

But for Kewell, it was a lesson. If he wanted to taste success throughout his career, he’d have to earn it off his own back. At 21-years-old, he had his breakthrough season at Leeds, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Harry Kewell glides past Stiliyan Petrov

Interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United followed – in truth, everybody wanted him – he had grabbed the mantle of Australian golden boy, a title he would hold close until his retirement. 

He chose the club he supported as a boy, Liverpool FC. But things were never quite the same after he left Leeds, injuries struck while changes of manager and personnel at Anfield never complimented an extended rehabilitation.

He did however, win the UEFA Champions League in 2005, an oft-forgot accomplishment in the annals of Australian sporting history. He started in that match, was injured within the first half, and was booed off the pitch by unforgiving Liverpool fans. His Liverpool career never truly recovered from there.