'Blessed to be part of it': Firass Dirani's story behind Socceroos squad announcement
Firass Dirani’s resume and reputation speaks for itself.
From appearing in Hollywood films to iconic Australian dramas, the respected actor needs little introduction.
But when staff from Football Australia’s digital content and marketing teams contacted him about the potential of being a part of the Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ squad announcement, it was a project that instantly caught his attention.
And one that he ultimately smashed out of the ballpark with his poise, delivery and conviction.
Watch, or re-watch, the special announcement vid in the player above!
SOCCEROOS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Talking Points: Graham Arnold's FIFA World Cup squad announcement press conference
At the time of writing the video has garnered over 215,000 views across social media.
Dirani reflected on the awe-inspiring opportunity to narrate the footballing journey of the Socceroos over the previous 100 years.
From the moment contact was made, Dirani admitted both parties were on the same page which allowed for a seamless, productive collaboration.
“It was humbling, and I thought it was quite on the pulse, talking to Richard and Carlo (Football Australia staff), about the boys, and their backgrounds and their ambitions and their stories and dreams and obviously making it to the World Cup,” he explained.
“They kind of saw the synonymous theme, a similar narrative and background to how I came around and my ambitions.
“So we had a conversation and we thought you know what, this could be a really great fit.”
Indeed, Dirani’s initial curiosity and genuine interest in the project was quickly validated.
Upon casting his eyes over the monologue, his first impressions of the script – all produced in-house – were extremely impressive.
The former Underbelly and House Husbands star admitted many lines resonated with him and wanted to do his best in conveying that tone on camera.
“I mean it all did, as soon as I read it (the script), I thought wow man, it felt very similar to my kind of trajectory,” he said.
“Obviously, it wasn't about me but I connected to it, because of my aspirations, but I really felt the words for the boys as well, like really giving them their flowers while we're here.
“And making them feel appreciated and celebrating them and their journey to the World Cup.
“So I definitely connected to it straight away, I connected to the dialogue.”
Dirani’s Lebanese heritage also further helped him relate to the script with the cultural diversity in the Socceroos squad very much reflective of modern-day Australia, perhaps more so than most other professional teams across all sports.
A number of players in the current side arrived in this country as refugees or hail from migrant families; therefore, celebrating the multiculturalism within the squad was important.
“Absolutely, I think it was (fundamental), creatively and just tonally it works,” Dirani agreed.
“You know, it was a match, because they're young players as well, young boys and they come from around the world and have emigrated to Australia, such a diverse background.
“So I really understand because I grew up in the western suburbs (of Sydney), I was born in Blacktown.
I grew up in such a diverse cultural community.
“Obviously, I've always had my say about, our representation and visibility, and it's quite important, because, you know, tonally our media, our sports, sometimes diversity is not celebrated.
“So, I'm a fan of that, I'm active on these kinds of narratives, and I thought yeah this is definitely something I want to be part of.”
While the talented 38-year-old may be an actor, he is no stranger to the world game too, having played football as a kid growing up.
He started playing predominantly as a left winger and then made the switch to goalkeeper, something he attributed to his strong hand-eye coordination, which is no surprise for someone who trained in martial arts as well.
Dirani also discussed his fondest Socceroos memory – a certain moment from 2005 against Uruguay.
“I played for five years, the early memories is on a Sunday or Saturday morning, during winter and mum warming up my socks, because it's bloody freezing outside to go play at 8am and at the local park out in the western suburbs," he reminisced.
“But probably the (John) Aloisi moment I think was 2005 against Uruguay, the penalty.
“So that was obviously you know was very inspirational for any young kid wanting to dream and wanting to kind of like, break some boundaries and, you know get out of the box.
“So I think that for me was probably one of the most profound memories.”
Dirani’s relationship with football also extends beyond these shores.
On a trip to Nairobi, Kenya in 2017, Dirani organised some goalposts to be built while visiting a local charity, so that the kids could play football with more suitable equipment.
“I built some goalposts for a disadvantaged charity there,” he explained. “I went there for two months and ran a sports program.
“I played soccer, and I taught them how to box, but they love soccer so much, and they never had goalposts.
“So I went to the local shed, and I spoke to these guys, it was pretty funny, because obviously communication was not the best, but I've got to explain to them, 'I want you guys to build me some goalposts out of metal' and they made it happen. The kids loved it, and that was a good time over there.”