Paul Okon-Engstler

Paul Michael Junior Okon-Engstler (born 24 January 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica B in Liga Portugal 2. Born in Belgium, he has represented Australia at youth international level.

Club career
Born in Belgium to former Australian international soccer player Paul Okon, who was playing for K.V. Oostende at the time, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia as a child, as his father had been signed by the Newcastle Jets. He started his career, as his father had, with Marconi Stallions, before moving to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers. In 2019, he moved back to Belgium, signing with Club Brugge.

While representing Club Brugge at a youth tournament in Portugal, he was spotted by scouts from Benfica, despite Club Brugge's poor performances at the tournament. He joined the Portuguese club in July 2022, signing a three-year deal.

International career
Okon-Engstler is eligible to represent Belgium through birth, Australia through his father, and Italy through his mother. He holds Italian citizenship.

In September 2022, he was called up to the Australia under-20 team, but did not feature.

He made his debut for the Australia under-23 team during the 2023 Maurice Revello Tournament.

Style of play
A composed, left-footed defensive midfielder, Okon-Engstler is known for his range of long passes, and is capable of starting attacks from deep.