Some of football’s biggest names have thrown their support behind Lucas Herrington after the teenage Socceroos defender endured the cruellest moment of his young career during Australia’s heartbreaking World Cup exit to Egypt.
The 18-year-old centre-back was left devastated after crashing his penalty against the crossbar in Australia’s Round of 32 shootout defeat in Dallas, with fellow defender Harry Souttar also missing as Egypt progressed to the last 16.
Herrington, who became the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match earlier in the tournament, was immediately consoled by teammates after the final whistle.
His courage in volunteering to take one of Australia’s spot-kicks has since earned widespread praise from across the football world.
Among those to reach out was Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who delivered an emotional message directly to the Colorado Rapids defender during Fox Sports’ World Cup coverage.
‘Penalty is like lottery. You score, you become a hero, you don’t score, sadly you become zero,’ Ibrahimovic said.
Lucas Herrington receives heartfelt support from Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Australia’s heartbreaking World Cup penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in Dallas
Ibrahimovic praised Herrington’s courage after the 18-year-old stepped up during Australia’s crushing World Cup elimination against Egypt
‘I just want to reach out to Herrington. You’re 18 years old, you’re young, this is just the beginning of your career.
‘You stepping up there, you showed a lot of courage, not everybody will do that. My friend, you’re the best. Don’t listen to the rest.’
The former Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and AC Milan striker also offered to personally support the young Australian if he needed advice following the painful defeat.
‘It’s not easy to step up there to shoot that penalty, and it’s a moment of seconds,’ Ibrahimovic continued.
‘Either it goes well, or it goes not. But listen, Herrington, if you want to reach out, I’m here.’
French football legend Thierry Henry echoed those sentiments, while questioning why such responsibility had fallen on an 18-year-old defender.
‘Don’t be upset; you go there taking it, you miss. I feel for you, but keep your head up,’ Henry said.
‘I’m thinking about the guy that allowed him to go. You should (say), “No, this is not on you. We’re going.”
Thierry Henry also defended teenage defender Lucas Herrington, questioning why Australia allowed him to take such a crucial penalty kick
Harry Souttar also endured World Cup heartbreak after missing his penalty shot
‘So fair play to (Herrington). I know you missed, but we’ll see you again.’
Socceroos veteran Aziz Behich also backed the teenager, revealing the squad’s immediate focus was lifting Herrington after the defeat.
‘Lucas is such a great lad. Has a great head on his shoulders. Great professional,’ Behich said.
‘I just told him for him to even go up and put the ball down was enough for us. Expect big things from him in the future.’
Despite the heartbreaking ending, Herrington’s tournament significantly raised his profile.
The Colorado Rapids defender produced a team-high 10 defensive interventions during Australia’s scoreless draw against Paraguay, helping the Socceroos qualify for the knockout stage, and has been linked with a move to Spanish champions Barcelona.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Herrington’s value is now estimated at between $23million and $30million, which would place him among the most expensive Australian footballers in history if he completes a transfer.
