The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce that Miguel Di Pizio has signed a new two-year contract with the club, keeping him on the Coast until 2026.
The 2023/24 season was an incredible breakout campaign for Di Pizio, scoring numerous crucial goals in his 31 appearances. He was often trusted by Mark Jackson to make an impact in the biggest moments, and he delivered, contributing massively to our record-breaking treble.
After making his Isuzu UTE A-League debut against Newcastle off the bench late in the 22/23 season, Di Pizio scored his first professional goal in November 2023, an 89th minute equaliser against Terengganu which ultimately secured our safe passage to the knockout stages of the AFC Cup.
WATCH MIGUEL IN ACTION WITH 2024/25 MARINERS MEMBERSHIP
He made his first professional start, still aged 17, as we ran out 4-0 winners against Western United at Our Paradise in December, before he scored his first Isuzu UTE A-League goal in January, a fine finish in our 2-0 home win over Brisbane Roar.
Di Pizio was the difference maker in our AFC Cup Inter Zonal Final second leg, coming off the bench and scoring a brace in a 3-0 win over Abdysh-Ata Kant which put us through to our first ever continental final.
The biggest moment of them all was still to come. Di Pizio wrote his name in the history books as he slotted home the go-ahead goal in extra time of the Grand Final, becoming the youngest ever Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final goal scorer.
18-years-old, Miguel Di Pizio loves a crucial goal! 💫#CCMFC #CCMvMVC #TakeUsToTheTop pic.twitter.com/FNyFOd0c7h
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) May 25, 2024
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson says what Di Pizio contributed last season was ‘fantastic’ but believes the 18-year-old can achieve even more at the Mariners, whilst the Australian U20 international recognises that the Coast is the best place to continue his development.
“We’re really pleased to sign Miguel to a new two-year deal. He’s a really exciting player,” Jackson said.
“What he did last season was fantastic and I’ve got really high hopes for him this season that he can establish himself in the team. We all saw what he did in the Grand Final, in the games that he came on and even the games he started.
“We know he is a player with huge potential, and he has a fantastic attitude to want to get better as well. We want him to be a part of our club because we know he can develop here, we know we will give him the opportunities and we know that he can make a real mark on the team this season.”
WATCH MIGUEL IN ACTION WITH 2024/25 MARINERS MEMBERSHIP
Having joined the Mariners Academy initially in 2022, Di Pizio is thrilled to be able to extend his time on the Central Coast.
“I am very excited to have signed a new two year contract with the Mariners, what the club has been doing these past few years has been really special and is really enjoyable to be a part of,” Di Pizio said.
“The Mariners give young players an opportunity, and is the perfect place for me to continue my development as a player. A special thank you to Rich, Simmo and Jacko for the support that they have shown me and this opportunity.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Jacko, he is someone that always seems to get the best out of me, and everyone at the club. I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch this season in front of all of our amazing fans, score some goals and fight for a third Championship.”
