Tech
Jun 16, 20261
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Nestory Irankunda Becomes Youngest Australian World Cup Scorer, Honors Tim Cahill Legacy
Nestory Irankunda became the youngest World Cup scorer in Australian history with a goal against Turkey, continuing a two-decade tradition of Australian players honoring Tim Cahill's iconic corner-flag shadow-boxing celebration from the 2006 World Cup.
Quick Facts
Who
Tim Cahill
What
Tim Cahill scored late equalizer at 2006 World Cup and performed shadow-boxing celebration at corner flag
When
2006 World Cup
Where
Vancouver, British Columbia
- Tim Cahill scored late equalizer at 2006 World Cup and performed shadow-boxing celebration at corner flag
- Sam Kerr replicated Cahill's celebration at Women's World Cup in France
- Nestory Irankunda scored against Turkey and became youngest Australian World Cup scorer
- Irankunda paid tribute by performing Cahill's corner flag celebration
- Tim Cahill
Twenty years after Tim Cahill's iconic shadow-boxing celebration at the corner flag during Australia's opening match against Japan at the 2006 World Cup, the tradition of paying homage to the Socceroos great has become woven into Australian football culture. Cahill's 3-1 victory that night established a celebration style that would inspire generations of Australian players to follow.
Sam Kerr became the first to replicate Cahill's corner flag tribute when she performed the celebration at the Women's World Cup in France, months after Cahill's retirement from professional soccer in 2019. Kerr went on to reach the semifinals with the Matildas at the 2023 World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and in 2022 surpassed Cahill as Australia's all-time leading scorer.
Now, 20-year-old winger Nestory Irankunda has added his own chapter to this lineage. In the Socceroos' 2-0 upset victory over Turkey on Saturday night in Vancouver, British Columbia, Irankunda became the youngest World Cup scorer in Australian history. Upon scoring, he sprinted to the corner flag and threw a series of punches in recreation of Cahill's iconic celebration, continuing the tradition that has defined Australian soccer at the World Cup.
Irankunda has developed his own distinctive goal-celebration style, known for backflips and Michael Jackson dance moves, making post-goal swagger synonymous with his identity. When asked about his tribute, the young player expressed his deep admiration for Cahill. "Tim Cahill was my biggest inspiration in Australian football, and I look up to him," Irankunda said. "I want to be like him one day and I'm really really proud of myself to get the goal."
Irankunda began his professional career with Adelaide United in Australia, spending three seasons with the club before moving to Europe. In 2025, he made a permanent transfer to English club Watford, marking another significant step in his emerging career.
Why This Matters
Irankunda's achievement marks a significant milestone for Australian football—becoming the youngest Socceroos player to score at a World Cup. More importantly, his decision to honor Cahill's iconic celebration demonstrates how sporting traditions create lasting cultural connections across generations. For Australian football fans and the broader sports community, this moment reinforces Australia's emerging strength in world football and shows how young talent is building on the foundations laid by previous champions. The gesture also highlights the importance of respecting football heritage while forging new paths in international competition.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2006
WireTim Cahill scores late equalizer for Australia vs Japan at World Cup, performs iconic corner flag shadow-boxing celebration
Jan 1, 2019
WireTim Cahill retires from professional soccer
Jan 1, 2022
WireSam Kerr surpasses Tim Cahill as Australia's all-time leading goal scorer
Jan 1, 2023
WireMatildas reach semifinals at World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand
Jan 1, 2025
WireNestory Irankunda makes permanent transfer to English club Watford
Jun 13, 2026
WireNestory Irankunda becomes youngest Australian World Cup scorer with goal in 2-0 upset victory over Turkey, performs Cahill tribute celebration