Reliving Mustafa Amini's journey to the Socceroos to celebrate his birthday

Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini turns 27 on Monday and to mark his birthday we've taken a look back at his journey from the Hyundai A-League to the Australian National Team.

On 28 March 2017, the Socceroos defeated United Arab Emirates at Allianz Stadium to take another step on their way to qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018.

And, in the final minutes of the match, captain Mile Jedinak stepped off the pitch to welcome fellow midfielder, 23-year-old Amini on to the field for his Socceroos debut.

Amini had a unique story to get to that point.

Beginning his professional career under Graham Arnold at the Central Coast Mariners in 2010, Amini was a crucial part of the club’s road to the Grand Final, and was chosen to start in the decider against Brisbane Roar FC in 2011.

Following the conclusion of the 2010/11 season, German giants, Borussia Dortmund, signed the then 18-year-old.

He was immediately sent back on loan to Central Coast, where he contributed to the club winning the Premiers' Plate.

After returning to Dortmund, Amini learned under the likes of Jurgen Klopp and trained with players such as Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski.

In 2015, Amini moved North, and entered the Danish top-flight, signing with Randers FC. Twenty-nine games later, he completed his transfer to AGF.

His presence at AGF has certainly not gone unnoticed and Amini is considered as one of the club’s most senior players with the team placed on the Danish league ladder third prior to football’s postponement.

Amini’s impact saw him become a Socceroos squad member, with the midfielder making his debut against the UAE and full debut in 2018, a 3-0 win against Lebanon.

Since his debut, Amini has featured for the Socceroos on several occasions, including a full 90 minutes up against English Premier League superstar Son Heung-Min’s team, South Korea.

Recently welcoming a daughter into the family, Amini continues to showcase his talent in Denmark and is a key member of the Socceroos camp.