Auckland FC: Steve Corica named A-League coach of the decade, Kosta Barbarouses lone All White to win recognition

Auckland FC manager Steve Corica has been named as coach of the A-League’s Team of the Decade from 2015-2025.

The Australian was in charge of Sydney FC from 2018-23, winning two A-League titles, before guiding the Black Knights to the Premiership in their inaugural campaign last season.

The Team of the Decade is chosen by past and present players and features eight players whom Corica has directly coached or supported during his managerial career. All Whites striker Kosta Barbarouses is the only New Zealand international named in the team.

Corica said he was shocked to receive the award, which comes 10 years on from featuring as a substitute in the last Team of the Decade from 2005-15.

“This is a really special award,” Corica said. “I was a little surprised as there are some big names who have had incredible coaching careers over the past 10 years but I’m happy and honoured to be recognised in this way.

“I am grateful to everyone who voted for me and everyone I have worked with across my career: players, coaches, staff.

“I especially want to thank my family. It is not always easy for football families; they have to endure a lot, the highs and lows, but today is definitely a high.”

Corica was also recently named Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 A-League season, which featured six Auckland FC players.

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker said Corica was deserving of his accolade.

“Steve has consistently been the best coach in the league over the past 10 years,” Becker said.

“He has had an incredible A-League career, consistently winning silverware as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Everyone at Auckland FC is phenomenally proud of him and his achievements.”

Auckland FC open their 2025-26 campaign away to Melbourne Victory on October 18.

A-League Team of the Decade from 2015-2025:

Goalkeeper: Danny Vukovic.

Defenders: Scott Jamieson, Curtis Good, Alex Wilkinson (c), Rhyan Grant.

Midfielders: Luke Brattan, Diego Castro, Miloš Ninković.

Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Jamie Maclaren, Kosta Barbarouses.

Substitutes: Jamie Young (GK), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Aziz Behich, Anthony Caceres, Isaías, Bruno Fornaroli, Besart Berisha.

Coach: Steve Corica.

Referee: Alex King.