When it comes to kicking goals, Archie Thompson is the champion. No, he really is! Not to mention a champion ally! I had the pleasure of a very candid interview.
You’ve had an incredible history playing soccer both locally for the Socceroos, as well as internationally. Did you always have your sights set on football?
Archie Thompson: I always wanted to be a football player, even from a young age. I knew it would be hard, but I always had a feeling that I’d become one. I even told my sister when I was about seven, and she wrote down that if I became a professional footballer, I’d have to buy her a Porsche. I even signed it! Thank God, due to our ages, that wouldn’t stand in court! (laughs).
You’ve certainly had a great career, especially with the Socceroos!
I’ve been very lucky to be part of some crazy events, such as the World Cup. The thing is, with sport you always remember the iconic moments, like when Cathy Freeman won the 400 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. That was an iconic moment for me, and I remember where I was. So being a part of the 2005 World Cup qualifiers was a similar moment in sport, and I get stopped a lot by people saying they remember where they were when that happened. I’ve pretty grateful that I’m part of an iconic moment in sport.
“I have two gay brothers, so I know what it’s like for someone to come out and be vulnerable.”
You currently hold the world record for most goals scored in an international match – thirteen in the one game when Australia played American Samoa!
(Laughs) Yeah, how about that! I have a world record and often need to pinch myself! It gets brought up a lot, but it kind of hampers me a little bit, because once I scored those thirteen goals, everyone thought that afterwards, I’d score thirteen-plus goals in every single game! To be honest, that team we played were the worst-rated country in football. There’s even a documentary about that game. But it’s an honour and not too many people can say they have a world record.
You also represented Australia for the under-23 squad in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. What was that experience like?
Archie Thompson
That was another pinch-me moment because I’d been in the World Cup and was also an Olympian. The only bad part was that I wasn’t in the opening ceremony because we had to compete straight after, and we didn’t actually stay in the village. But I’m still an Olympian!
When soccer star Josh Cavallo came out in 2021 you threw your support behind him. Do you think his coming out has paved the way for others in soccer and further sports?
About a year ago I did a podcast and interviewed Andy Brennan who played for the A-League Team, Newcastle Jets. He came out in 2018 playing at a local level in the NPL Victorian League, and that was huge. Especially with local football as that can be bad at the best of times. Then I also did a podcast with Josh when he came out, and the NPFA were wonderful in helping him make that transition. I know that in sport, especially in men’s locker rooms, it’s a real boy’s club, and I can imagine the liabilities and insecurities that it could bring to people, being around that sort of language. It’s certainly made me take notice. I have two gay brothers, so I know what it’s like for someone to come out and be open and vulnerable. I think Josh has been amazing with it all, and I hope what he’s done encourages a lot of other men to come out.
So, you have two gay brothers!
I have both an older and younger gay brother, and when my younger brother came out it opened my eyes to the way I spoke. I was unaware of the way I said things. I grew up in an environment where boys and men make jokes about shit, and don’t actually think about the consequences. My brother said to me one day after I had said something inappropriate, “Arch, look I love you, but if you continue to make these jokes or say inappropriate things when I’m around, I can’t have you in my life”, and that really hurt. It hit home and made me take a real look at myself. It changed my whole way of thinking and I think that’s what young boys and men need to do because that’s what scares a lot of young men about coming out. Love is Love!
Archie Thompson on Channel 10’s Celebrity Master Chef Australia
Given that it’s rare for footballers to come out when statistically they must be out there, is it still homophobia stopping them?
“I know a lot of shit has been going on in the NRL, which is ridiculous!”
One hundred per cent. I’ve grown up in those environments with a lot of inappropriate behaviour, but I feel like that’s changing. I certainly hope it’s changing, but I know that it would be very scary for someone to come out. I think it took a lot of strength for Josh, and Andy, to do that, especially at such a young age. They’re not just coming out to footballers, but also to family and friends and there is the potential for relationships to get torn because some people don’t think in basic terms – that love is love! It’s amazing that we now have a pride round, and I know a lot of shit has been going on in the NRL, which is ridiculous, but hopefully, we’ll see more and more opportunities for people to come out.
Archie Thompson at the Channel 10 Logies Pre-Party Photo: Steve Pohlner
If you were gay, who would be your man crush?
Well, I can look at a male and think “He’s a handsome boy!”. I have no dramas about that. If he’s an attractive-looking guy, I’ll say it, and there are so many out there! Looking at other Straight Mate interviews, I saw that Beau Ryan had a bit of a crush on Ricky Martin, which he kind of stole from me because I like the way Ricky dances and swings his hips.
Yes, and another Straight Mate, Nick Butler said there’s a story there with Ricky!
I’ll never live that down! Many years ago, one Saturday morning I got up and started watching television and Livin’ La Vida Loca was on. There was a female dancer in the clip and … well, what can I say? My ex-partner was still in bed, and I was young and excited, so I shut the door and started … well, you know! But it was like a George Costanza moment, because suddenly “Oh! really?” came the voice behind me. I turned around and my ex-partner was watching me, but all she could see was Ricky Martin! So of course, she told everyone and all the presents I got for my 21st birthday were Ricky Martin CDs, DVDs, posters, you name it!
Have you ever been to a gay club with your brothers?
Plenty of times. I’ve been to the Peel in Melbourne with my brother, which was full on, and to 3 Faces in its day. When I was dating my ex, her cousin lived with us, and he dressed in drag. We’d go to 3 Faces a lot for the shows, but also when I was playing football we’d go to Love Machine. I was hit on quite a lot there, which definitely fed my ego! It was a great environment, and everyone was having fun. That’s what I loved about those places.
Who’s your music diva?
Beyonce! She’s a superstar, and I love her new album Renaissance. I love disco and it has a real disco vibe, although my favourite song of hers is 1+1 from 4.
You’re part of the Channel Ten presenter team for football and the Australian F1 and Melbourne Cup Horse racing Carnival. How has the transition into media been?
Archie Thompson
Being part of Channel Ten has opened so many opportunities to work in different areas. Formula One was just electric and those guys are like the rock stars of sport. I’m also excited about the Melbourne Cup because this is the first time since Covid began that we’ll have everyone there. The energy will be incredible! But I also did Celebrity MasterChef, one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life! I was with amazing people. I grew up watching Rebecca Gibney and she’s a really sweet soul. Chrissie Swan is loud, loving and nurturing and Nick Riewoldt was the self-sacrificing captain who kept everyone in line. But it’s great to be on the other side of the camera. There’s something about when you cross live to air. I become another person!
What quote do you live by?
I have a tattoo on my leg that says, “If there is no enemy within, then the enemy outside can do you no harm”. Our worst critic is ourselves, and it’s always from inside.
On the beach are you boardies or budgies?
I’ve brought out the budgies, but my kids don’t like them. They get embarrassed! But I actually wore the budgies in the pool this morning, and I love them. Hey, love is love across everything!
So, briefs, fitted boxers or freeballs?
When I was a teenager I freeballed, but now I’m fitted boxers. I do remember the loose boxers back in the Nineties that had no support whatsoever! It was so cool to have the cartoon ones. Hopefully, those Looney Tunes ones will make a comeback!
For more visit: 10play.com.au
Follow Archie on Instagram @10archie
Archie Thompson with the Network 10 on-air talent for the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix
