NSL legend Stephen Maxwell passes away at 59
- Replies 3
The Australian football community is in mourning following the passing of Stephen Maxwell, a revered NSL champion and former Socceroos player, at 59.
Known affectionately as 'Maxi', his death has prompted an outpour of tributes from fans, former teammates, and the broader sports community.
Stephen Maxwell's illustrious career is one that will be remembered for generations.
As a stalwart of Adelaide City, he was instrumental in the club's success, helping to secure the NSL trophy three times.
His impact on the field was matched by his dedication off it, as he continued to shape the sport through his coaching roles at various levels after hanging up his boots.
The Football SA Hall of Famer's legacy is one of passion, skill, and leadership.
His passing was confirmed by his club, Sturt Lions, in a post online.
'It breaks our hearts to announce the passing of Stephen Maxwell, affectionately known as “Maxi”,' the club said.
'Maxi was a much-loved member of the Sturt Lions family and well respected within the SA football community as a coach and player.'
'Maxi will be deeply missed by everyone that had the honour to play with him, be coached by him, and know him through his passion for football.'
His journey with Adelaide City saw him become the club's top goalscorer in five seasons.
His first call-up to the Socceroos came in 1986, a proud moment that saw him play alongside notable figures such as current Coach Graham Arnold and fellow South Australian great John Kosmina.
Maxwell's international career, though brief, was marked by significant moments, including his participation in a victory over Sweden in 1992, just months before the Scandinavian team's impressive run to the Euro 1992 semi-finals.
He was a key figure in the Adelaide team's golden era, serving as vice-captain under Alex Tobin during the team's NSL league and cup double win in 1992.
The news of his passing was met with heartfelt messages from across the football world.
Broadcaster Craig Foster, a former Socceroos player, remembered Maxwell as an 'extremely tough opponent'.
'He’ll be missed by the club and fans of the National Soccer League (NSL) who will all remember him fondly as an extremely tough opponent,' Foster said.
'Very sad for the football community who have lost many legends in recent months. A great contributor to the NSL days.'
Maxwell's death is particularly poignant as it comes just two months after the football community was shaken by the loss of another former Socceroos player, Stephen Laybutt.
Tributes from Socceroos great Robbie Slater and veteran Football Journalist Ray Gatt highlighted Maxwell's exceptional character both as a player and a person.
'RIP [Stephen] Maxwell! Fantastic player! Wow, very sad to hear this! Condolences to all of his family!' Robbie Slater said.
While Ray Gatt wrote: 'Very sad news. Loved [Maxi] as a player and a person. Will be missed terribly. RIP [Maxi].'
Clubs around South Australia, including West Adelaide, have paid their respects to Maxwell, acknowledging his fierce competitiveness and the respect he commanded even among rivals.
'Maxi will always be respected by the Hellas faithful as a tough opponent and competitive football foe who was also a teammate of current Hellas senior coach Michael Brooks,' West Adelaide, Adelaide city’s old rivals wrote.
His former teammate and current Hellas senior coach Michael Brooks, along with the entire Hellas family, extended sincere condolences to Maxwell's family, saying: 'The SA football community has lost a true legend of the game, the Hellas family sends its sincere condolences to Steve’s family, may he rest in eternal peace!'
As we reflect on the life and career of Stephen Maxwell, it's clear that his influence on Australian football was profound. His passion for the game, his achievements on the pitch, and his contributions as a coach have left an indelible mark on the sport.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Maxwell's family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
May he rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
Known affectionately as 'Maxi', his death has prompted an outpour of tributes from fans, former teammates, and the broader sports community.
Stephen Maxwell's illustrious career is one that will be remembered for generations.
As a stalwart of Adelaide City, he was instrumental in the club's success, helping to secure the NSL trophy three times.
May Stephen Maxwell rest in peace. Image source: X/@SturtLions.
His impact on the field was matched by his dedication off it, as he continued to shape the sport through his coaching roles at various levels after hanging up his boots.
The Football SA Hall of Famer's legacy is one of passion, skill, and leadership.
His passing was confirmed by his club, Sturt Lions, in a post online.
'It breaks our hearts to announce the passing of Stephen Maxwell, affectionately known as “Maxi”,' the club said.
'Maxi was a much-loved member of the Sturt Lions family and well respected within the SA football community as a coach and player.'
'Maxi will be deeply missed by everyone that had the honour to play with him, be coached by him, and know him through his passion for football.'
His journey with Adelaide City saw him become the club's top goalscorer in five seasons.
His first call-up to the Socceroos came in 1986, a proud moment that saw him play alongside notable figures such as current Coach Graham Arnold and fellow South Australian great John Kosmina.
Maxwell's international career, though brief, was marked by significant moments, including his participation in a victory over Sweden in 1992, just months before the Scandinavian team's impressive run to the Euro 1992 semi-finals.
He was a key figure in the Adelaide team's golden era, serving as vice-captain under Alex Tobin during the team's NSL league and cup double win in 1992.
The news of his passing was met with heartfelt messages from across the football world.
Broadcaster Craig Foster, a former Socceroos player, remembered Maxwell as an 'extremely tough opponent'.
'He’ll be missed by the club and fans of the National Soccer League (NSL) who will all remember him fondly as an extremely tough opponent,' Foster said.
'Very sad for the football community who have lost many legends in recent months. A great contributor to the NSL days.'
Maxwell's death is particularly poignant as it comes just two months after the football community was shaken by the loss of another former Socceroos player, Stephen Laybutt.
Tributes from Socceroos great Robbie Slater and veteran Football Journalist Ray Gatt highlighted Maxwell's exceptional character both as a player and a person.
'RIP [Stephen] Maxwell! Fantastic player! Wow, very sad to hear this! Condolences to all of his family!' Robbie Slater said.
While Ray Gatt wrote: 'Very sad news. Loved [Maxi] as a player and a person. Will be missed terribly. RIP [Maxi].'
Clubs around South Australia, including West Adelaide, have paid their respects to Maxwell, acknowledging his fierce competitiveness and the respect he commanded even among rivals.
'Maxi will always be respected by the Hellas faithful as a tough opponent and competitive football foe who was also a teammate of current Hellas senior coach Michael Brooks,' West Adelaide, Adelaide city’s old rivals wrote.
His former teammate and current Hellas senior coach Michael Brooks, along with the entire Hellas family, extended sincere condolences to Maxwell's family, saying: 'The SA football community has lost a true legend of the game, the Hellas family sends its sincere condolences to Steve’s family, may he rest in eternal peace!'
We extend our deepest sympathies to Maxwell's family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
May he rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
.png){kind=icon}
