The personal life story of Kevin Muscat, the former Australian defender

Kevin Muscat is a British-born Australian, and former footballer managing Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League. Muscat had a successful playing career as a tough-tackling defender before becoming a coach. His managerial record is also impressive, having led his teams to multiple titles.

Muscat was known for his hard tackles that made opponents fear him. He once left an opponent needing four operations to save his leg following a horrific challenge. Former English defender Martin Grainger even branded Kevin as the 'most hated man in football.' Let us dig deep into the sports career of Kevin Muscat, his background, achievements, and other exciting details about him.

Kevin Muscat's profile summary

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Football

Kevin Muscat's biography

Shanghai Port's head coach, Kevin Muscat (age 50 as of January 2024), was born on 7 August 1973 in Crawley, England. His parents are David and Laura Muscat, while he also reportedly has siblings, a brother and sister, who have also helped him in his career.

Kevin's height is 1.80 m or 5 feet and 11 inches, and his weight is 76 kg 168 lbs. He moved to Australia at a young age and began his footballing career there.

Kevin Muscat's stats and career

The legendary defender enjoyed a remarkable career as a player from 1989-2011, including ten years in the UK before shifting to coaching. He was a fierce footballer, branded as one of the dirtiest defenders of his generation. So, who did Kevin Muscat play for, and which teams has he managed? Get all the details here.

Playing career

Kevin began his junior career in 1989 with Sunshine George Cross in Australia's National Soccer League (NSL). He also played for Heidelberg and South Melbourne until 1996, when he moved to the UK to further his career.

United Kingdom

Muscat's controversial career in the UK earned him more enemies because of his reckless challenges. He moved to Crystal Palace in 1996, where he helped the club to gain promotion to the Premier League. The Aussie also played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rangers, and Millwall before returning to Australia in 2005.

How long did Kevin Muscat play for Rangers? The former defender played for one season at Rangers (2001-2002), managing 22 appearances. He was part of the squad that won the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup in the 2002-03 season.

Return to Australia

Kevin moved to Melbourne Victory in the A-League, where he played over 100 games, and then announced his retirement in 2011, three weeks after receiving an eight-match A-League ban. His punishment came following a dangerous tackle on Melbourne Heart's Adrian Zahra in late January, leaving the player in hospital.

The Aussie won two A-League titles (2006-07, 2008-09) and the A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cups (2008-09) with Melbourne Victory.

National team

The former footballer played for Australia's Under-20 and Under-23 sides before joining the senior team in 1994. He registered 46 caps for the Socceroos, scoring ten goals.

Muscat lifted two OFC Nations Cups (2000 and 2004) with the national team and finished runner-up in the 1997 Confederations Cup. He also played in the 1996 Summer Olympics alongside the legendary Mark Viduka.

Kevin Muscat's style of play

The Aussie thrived on his dominant and aggressive style that left most of his victims nursing severe wounds. Muscat received 12 red and 123 yellow cards in his career and injured many players, including Ian Wright, Craig Bellamy, Christophe Dugarry, and Danny Webber. His threats also terrified some of his opponents.

Ian Wright won around $950k in a court settlement in 1998 after undergoing four operations from Kevin's challenge, while Dugarry missed three months with ligament damage. Former Birmingham player Martin Grainger described Kevin as 'the most hated man in football' after a reckless tackle on his Australia teammate Stan Lazaridis.

Kevin Muscat's teams coached

The Aussie commenced his managing career at Melbourne Victory as an Assistant to Ernie Merrick and Ange Postecoglou. He later became the head coach in 2013 until 2019, when he took over the Belgian side, Sint-Truiden, in 2020.

Kevin also coached Yokohama F. Marinos from 2021 to 2023 before joining Shanghai Port in December 2023. He led Yokohama to a runner-up finish in the 2022-23 season ahead of Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe.

Kevin Muscat's managerial record

The tactician has had remarkable achievements in his coaching career. He won two A-League titles (2015 and 2018) and the Australia Cup (2015) with Melbourne. Did Kevin Muscat win the J League?

The Aussie tactician led Yokohama to the 2022 J1 League title and finished second in 2021 and 2023. He added the 2023 Japanese Super Cup to his portfolio.

Kevin Muscat's tactics

Muscat has trained his teams to adopt a fluid attacking football, evolving from his philosophy as a player. His tactics focus on intensity, physicality, defensive resilience, and counter-attacking football. Many compare his style to Tottenham Hotspur's coach Ange Postecoglou and Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton & Hove Albion.

Frequently asked questions

The Aussie left a tarnishing legacy as a player, but he is quickly restoring his image with a beautiful style of football that is earning him admirers globally. Beyond football, the tactician also creates time for his family. Here are some frequently asked questions about him.

Is Kevin Muscat married?

The Shanghai Port head coach is married to Alex Muscat, and the couple has built a wonderful family. Details of Kevin Muscat's wife remain unknown, but she has shown commitment to supporting the coach and caring for their children.

Who are Kevin Muscat's children?

During his playing days, the tactician welcomed two kids with his wife, Alex. They have a daughter, Olivia, and a son, James.

How much is Kevin Muscat's salary?

According to sources, Kevin received a lucrative $3.8 million-a-year deal following his move to Chinese champion Shanghai Port in December 2023.

What is Kevin Muscat's net worth?

Muscat has an estimated net worth of $28 million as of January 2024. He is one of the wealthiest and most successful Australian coaches to have managed overseas.

What is Kevin Muscat doing now?

Kevin is currently managing Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League. He was previously at Yokohama F. Marinos, where he spent two-and-a-half years before quitting to explore fresh challenges.

Final word

Kevin Muscat has attracted the interest of top European clubs with his versatile football and tactical genius. His next assignment is leading Shanghai Port to a back-to-back league title and establishing himself among the best Australian coaches.

Sports Brief also published the story of legendary Man United footballer George Best, including his background and career achievements. Best died in November 2005 but left an undeniable mark in football.

His path from the local fields of East Belfast to becoming a football legend is a remarkable one. He wowed fans worldwide with his excellent skills. Follow the above link to understand more about his legacy.

Full name	Kevin Vincent Muscat
Birthday	7 August 1973
Age	50 (as of January 2024)
Birthplace	Crawley, United Kingdom
Nationality	British, Australian
Height	1.80 m (5' 11")
Weight	76 kg 168 lbs
Profession	Football coach, former player
Current team	Shanghai Port
Parents	David and Laura Muscat
Spouse	Alex Muscat
Children	James and Olivia
Annual salary	$3.8 million
Net worth	$28 million