Mata and Gomez Claim Top Honours at 2026 Dolan Warren Awards
Spanish superstar Juan Mata and Central Coast Mariners midfielder Isabel Gomez have taken out Australian football’s highest individual honours, winning the Johnny Warren Medal and Julie Dolan Medal respectively at the 2026 Dolan Warren Awards. The annual celebration recognised the standout performers of the 2025/26 A-League season and was presented in a special broadcast across 10 Streaming and A‑League channels.
Mata Shines as Johnny Warren Medalist
Melbourne Victory’s Juan Mata capped off a remarkable season by being named the 2026 Johnny Warren Medalist, awarded to the best player in the Isuzu UTE A‑League Men.
The 38‑year‑old maestro delivered a vintage campaign, leading the league with 13 assists and adding five goals, showcasing the class that made him a World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner. His leadership and creativity were central to Victory’s fourth‑place finish, earning him the league’s most prestigious individual honour.
Gomez Crowned Julie Dolan Medalist
Central Coast Mariners star Isabel Gomez claimed the Julie Dolan Medal after another outstanding season in the Ninja A‑League Women.
The 23‑year‑old Matilda was a driving force in the Mariners’ campaign, finishing equal‑second in league assists and scoring four goals. Her consistency and influence also earned her a place in the PFA Team of the Season, adding another accolade to her growing list.
Young Footballer of the Year: Adams & Vlok Recognised
Two rising stars were honoured with the Young Footballer of the Year awards:
- Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix) — the 17‑year‑old Kiwi sensation became the first Phoenix player to score a hat‑trick and was joint top scorer for the club in a historic season.
- Eli Adams (Newcastle Jets) — the explosive attacker finished third in the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and four assists, capping off a breakout year.
Other Major Award Winners
Goal of the Year
- Youstin Salas (Brisbane Roar) — stunning injury‑time volley vs Melbourne City.
- Peta Trimis (Central Coast Mariners) — long‑range strike vs Melbourne Victory.
Coach of the Year
- Mark Milligan (Newcastle Jets) — led the club to its maiden Premiership and an Australian Cup double.
- Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United) — guided the club to its best finish since 2020/21.
Golden Boot
- Luka Jovanović (Adelaide United) & Sam Cosgrove (Auckland FC) — 11 goals each in a dramatic finish to the season.
- Holly McNamara (Melbourne City) — back‑to‑back Golden Boots with 12 goals in 18 matches.
Goalkeepers of the Year
- Courtney Newbon (Melbourne Victory) — seven clean sheets, 68 saves.
- Harrison Devenish‑Meares (Sydney FC) — league‑leading 12 clean sheets, 80.8% save rate.
A-Leagues Celebrate a Season of Excellence
With 11 awards presented and players, families and fans in attendance, the 2026 Dolan Warren Awards showcased the brilliance, dedication and rising talent across both the Ninja A‑League Women and Isuzu UTE A‑League Men.
The A‑Leagues season now heads toward its finale, with Auckland FC set to host Sydney FC in the 2026 Grand Final.