Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler (; born 24 January 2005), also known as Paul Okon Junior, is a professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln. Born in Belgium, he represents the Australia national team.
Club career Born in Belgium while his father, former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon was playing for Belgian Pro League club K.V. Oostende, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia in 2006 as a one-year-old when his father signed for the Newcastle Jets. He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers. In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.
Benfica While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts from Benfica, despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament. He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.
Sydney FC In July 2025, Okon-Engstler signed for A-League Men side Sydney FC on a three-year deal. His debut for the club came against Western United in the opening round of the 2025 Australia Cup.
International career Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Australia through his father and Cuba through his mother. He holds Italian citizenship.
In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature.
He made his debut for the Australia under-23 team during the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament.
In June 2025, Okon was called up for the Socceroos squad for qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
On 31 May 2026, Okon-Engstler was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Style of play A composed, left-footed defensive midfielder, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.
Career statistics
Club
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBenfica B2024–25Liga Portugal 280——80Sydney FC2025–26A-League Men27030—3001. FC Köln2026–27Bundesliga3010—40Career total3804000420
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsAustralia202520202680Total100
Honours
Australia U-23 WAFF U-23 Championship: runner-up 2024
Australia U-20 AFC U-20 Asian Cup: 2025
Notes
References
External links