Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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Australia Craig Foster AM has transitioned from a renowned Australian soccer player and captain to a prominent human rights activist and sports analyst, bringing a unique blend of athleticism and advocacy to his various roles.
Strategic Advisor, former Chairman, CEO, Life Member, and PFA Champion, working for fair bargaining agreements for footballers in Australia and advocating for players' rights.
Ambassador, supporting the mission to nurture sport with former athletes working in management.
Human rights and refugee ambassador, leading campaigns like "Game Over" (#GameOver) to address the plight of asylum seekers in Australia.
Ambassador for their Street Soccer Program, supporting homelessness initiatives.
Member of the Australia Committee, actively supporting campaigns like #PayUpFIFA.
Director, focusing on early literacy in Indigenous communities.
Director, involved in football programs designed to support John Moriarty Football and Indigenous communities.
Member of the Advisory Council.
Member, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Director.
Craig Andrew Foster AM, born in Lismore, New South Wales, in 1969, embarked on a distinguished career that spans professional soccer, sports analysis, and human rights advocacy. His foundational years saw him attend Kadina High School before pursuing higher education, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Football Business and a Master in Sport Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute, and later a Bachelor of Laws from Central Queensland University in 2019. Foster’s professional soccer career as a midfielder began in 1988 with Sydney Croatia. He later played for several clubs including Sunshine George Cross, Avala, Ernest Borel in Hong Kong, Adelaide City, Marconi, Portsmouth, and Crystal Palace, before concluding his playing career with Northern Spirit in 2003.
Foster’s international playing career saw him represent Australia at the under-16 level, reaching the quarter-finals of the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship. He earned 29 caps for the senior Australian national team, the Socceroos, between 1996 and 2000, scoring nine goals and serving as the team’s 40th captain. Notable achievements during his international tenure include being a runner-up in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup and winning the OFC Nations Cup in both 1996 and 2000, where he was also the top scorer in the 2000 tournament. After retiring from playing, Foster transitioned into sports broadcasting, becoming a chief soccer analyst for SBS’s “The World Game” for 18 years until 2020, and subsequently joining Stan Sport.
Beyond his contributions to soccer, Foster has become a vocal human rights activist, particularly known for his leading role in the #SaveHakeem campaign, which secured the release of Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from detention in Thailand in 2019. His advocacy extends to Indigenous rights, refugee support, and climate change, serving on various councils and foundations such as the Australian Multicultural Council and John Moriarty Football. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2021 for his significant service to multiculturalism, human rights, and football, and was chair of the Australian Republic Movement until 2024. Foster also holds an Adjunct Professor position in Sport & Social Responsibility at Torrens University, bridging his experience in sport with social justice.
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