Australia’s Socceroos honoured the memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides at their FIFA World Cup 2026 second round qualifier with Palestine in his home city of Perth on Tuesday.
The former Australian youth national team player was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011, following a random drug test taken while Tombides was representing his country at the U-17 FIFA World Cup finals in Mexico. Subsequent tests uncovered a tumour in one of his testicles.
The young forward fought the illness bravely for three years, even managing to make his professional debut for West Ham during that period, but passed away with his family by his side in April 2014, aged just 20.
DT38 Foundation was established in memory of Dylan in both England and Australia, with a vision to change the way testicular cancer is diagnosed by implementing best practice diagnostic guidelines for patients who present with testicular symptoms. West Ham’s Principal Charity Partner also aims to arm future generations of young men with the necessary knowledge about testicular cancer, enabling them to be confident when taking health matters into their own hands.
At Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier, the Socceroos, including Tombides’ one-time U-17 World Cup teammate Adam Taggart, wore shirts beating his number, 38, in the warm-up, while supporters paid tribute during the 38th minute of the game as his photo was shown on the big screens.
A video featuring Dylan’s mother and DT38 Foundation founder Tracy and Taggart was also shown on the big screens and on the Socceroos’ social media channels, and a number of match-worn jerseys will be made available for auction as part of fundraising efforts from the Subway Socceroos to support the work of DT38 Australia.
A touching tribute for Dylan Tombides. 💚💛#WeAreDT38 | @Dylantombides | #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/RX8AGhErRp
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 11, 2024
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said he was proud to see the Socceroos supporting such an important message and organization: “Dylan was a much-loved and hugely respected figure within the Australian football community, and we wanted to not only support the work of DT38 Australia, but honour Dylan’s memory in his hometown of Perth.
“It’s been ten years since Dylan’s passing and it’s incredible to see the work DT38 Australia has done in raising awareness about testicular cancer through their many programs and initiatives, using Dylan’s love of football as a vehicle to unite communities and spread their important message.
“The hard work of Tracy, [brother and fellow former Hammer] Taylor and [father] Jim Tombides and their team has seen Dylan’s legacy live on and they should be extremely proud of what they’ve already achieved in proactively impacting the health of young men across Australia.”
DT38 Australia head of media and operations Donna Giuffre said: “Dylan’s story of resilience and determination continues to inspire the football community, reminding us of the importance of early detection and awareness in the fight against testicular cancer. We thank everyone at Football Australia for their commitment to the cause.
Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold said his squad was proud to be lending their support to this important men’s health message.
“First and foremost, we want to honour Dylan’s memory. To lose someone to testicular cancer at his age is incredibly sad,” Arnold said. “While many of our current squad didn’t play in junior national teams with Dylan, they crossed paths with him at different times and of course know his story and the work of DT38 Australia very well – it’s a cause and an organisation close to the heart of all Australian footballers.
“I’m pleased we can play a small role in supporting the Foundation’s ongoing work and contribute to spreading their message on testicular cancer awareness for men of all ages.”
Fittingly, Arnold’s Socceroos won the World Cup qualifier to complete their Group I campaign with a perfect six wins out of six, and advance to the third round.
To learn more about Dylan’s story or the work of DT38 Australia head to dt38.org.
