Adelaide United is delighted to confirm the appointment of Airton Andrioli as the Club’s new Men’s Head Coach on a two-year deal, with the option of a third.
A highly respected figure in South Australian football, Andrioli steps into the role after serving as Adelaide United’s Head of Youth Football since 2020, while also working as one of the assistant coaches in the men’s program during that period.
Andrioli’s work in youth development has been instrumental to the Club’s recent success. He has overseen the progression of several current and former first-team players, including Nestory Irankunda, Luka Jovanović, Ethan Alagich, Ryan White, Harry Crawford, and Amlani Tatu, Giuseppe Bovalina, Steven Hall and Alex Popović to name just a few.
Most recently, he led both United’s Seniors and Reserves squads to their respective RAA NPL SA Grand Finals, with the Seniors claiming a maiden NPL Championship in 2023.
The Brazilian-born coach is no stranger to South Australian football, having played for West Adelaide in the National Soccer League (NSL) between 1994 and 1996. His coaching credentials also include a stint as assistant coach with the Young Socceroos between 2015 and 2016.
Between 2010 and 2020, Andrioli held the position of Technical Director at Football South Australia (FSA), playing a pivotal role in shaping the state’s footballing pathways. During that time, he worked closely with Club icons Richie Alagich, Carl Veart, and Cristiano dos Santos, further strengthening his ties with the Reds’ legacy.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s side,” Andrioli said.
“This is a very special moment in my life and something I won’t take for granted. I’ve always believed in doing the hard work, especially when no one is watching, and leaving the rest in God’s hands.
“To be able to lead the best football club in Australia, at Coopers Stadium — arguably the best football stadium in the country — in front of the most passionate and loyal supporters, is something I can’t wait to experience,” Andrioli added.
“My aim is to continue building on the strong foundations laid through our youth programs, providing young South Australians the opportunity to realise their dreams,” Andrioli concluded.
Technical Director, Ernest Faber, has praised the appointment:
“Airton knows this Club very well – he’s the architect of our youth program, which is the lifeblood of Adelaide United. He’s already played a significant role in the progress we’ve made over the past few years,” said Technical Director, Ernest Faber.
“He’ll continue the great work he’s been doing, but in a different capacity – backing young players, playing attacking football, and building a strong team culture. We believe Airton will help us grow steadily while staying true to the identity of Adelaide United.”
Andrioli is known for his attacking philosophy, which aligns closely with our Club’s style – fast-paced, direct football with an emphasis on speed, quick transitions, and structured movement. He blends this with tactical discipline and the ability to adapt based on each match’s demands.
The Club will confirm Andrioli’s full coaching staff prior to the start of pre-season on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
In the interim, Andrioli will continue leading the Youth Team until the end of June, with the Club to provide a further update on the future of the program in due course.
As a new era begins, fans can be assured that Adelaide United’s commitment to South Australian talent remains a cornerstone of its Football identity — with Andrioli determined to honour Carl Veart’s legacy while carving his own path forward.
