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Callum Elder
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Callum Roddie Elder (born 27 January 1995) is an Australian professional football player who plays as a left back for EFL Championship club Derby County and the Australia national team.
Key Information
Elder started his professional career at Leicester City, but failed the make a first team appearance, he would have loan spells at Mansfield Town, Peterborough United, Brentford, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town. In August 2019, Elder would join Hull City, where he would spend four years, before signing with Derby County in June 2023.
Early and personal life
[edit]Elder was born to an Irish mother and Scottish father. His maternal grandfather is former Republic of Ireland international footballer Paddy Turner.[3]
Club career
[edit]Leicester City
[edit]A left back, Elder was born in Sydney, Australia and began his youth career with Manly United, before moving to England at the age of 16 to begin a scholarship in the academy at Leicester City.[4] After completing his scholarship at the end of the 2012–13 season, he was awarded his first professional contract.[5] Graduating to the Foxes' U21 team, he progressed to sign a new two-year deal at the end of the 2014–15 season and a further extension a year later,[6] which kept him at the King Power Stadium until June 2019.[7]
Mansfield Town (loan)
[edit]On 8 January 2015, Elder was loaned out to League Two club Mansfield Town for one month.[8] He made his professional debut two days later, starting in a 2–1 away loss against Burton Albion.[9] He became a regular starter, which saw his loan extended to the end of the 2014–15 season.[10][11] Elder made 21 appearances for the Stags and returned to Leicester at the end of the season.[12]
Peterborough United (loan)
[edit]On 29 August 2015, Elder joined League One side Peterborough United on a one-month loan,[13] which was later extended until January 2016.[14] He made 21 appearances and scored the first senior goal of his career, which came in a 4–0 thrashing of Doncaster Rovers on 24 October 2015.[15] A foot injury suffered in a match versus Blackpool on 19 December led to the early termination of Elder's loan.[16]
Brentford (loan)
[edit]On 30 July 2016, Elder joined Championship side Brentford on loan for the duration of the 2016–17 season.[17] He was an ever-present in league matches during the opening month of the season,[18] before suffering a knee injury during a 2–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 10 September 2016.[19] Elder's recovery was delayed by a thigh injury and he returned to the King Power Stadium for treatment in mid-December 2016.[20][21] He returned to training with Brentford on 16 January 2017,[22] but failed to make an appearance before being recalled by Leicester City two weeks later.[23]
Barnsley (loan)
[edit]On 31 January 2017, Elder joined Championship club Barnsley on loan until the end of the 2016–17 season.[24]
Wigan Athletic (loan)
[edit]On 31 July 2017, Elder joined Wigan Athletic on a season long loan.[25] He made his debut on 5 August at Milton Keynes Dons but was sent off in the 44th minute. Wigan won the match 1–0.[26] He scored his first goal for Wigan on 17 January 2018 as they defeated Premier League side Bournemouth in the FA Cup.[27]
Ipswich Town (loan)
[edit]On 2 January 2019, Elder joined Ipswich Town on loan for the remainder of the 2018–19 Championship season.[28]
Hull City
[edit]On 8 August 2019, Elder joined Championship side Hull City for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract. The move reunited him with Grant McCann, his manager at Peterborough United.[29] Elder made his debut on 14 September 2019, in a 2–2 draw at home to Wigan Athletic.[30] He scored his first goal for Hull on 5 April 2021 in a 3–0 win against Northampton Town.[31] On 18 May 2022, Hull City exercised an option for an additional year on his contract.[32] On 6 May 2023, it was announced that Elder would leave Hull at the end of his contract that summer,[33] it was later announced he would join League One Derby County.
Derby County
[edit]On 21 June 2023, free agent Elder signed for Derby County on a three-year deal, becoming manager Paul Warne's 3rd summer signing.[34] The first half of his first season at Derby was frustrating for Elder he was affected by injuries and when fit was mainly restricted to being a substitute as Craig Forsyth was the main starting left-back.[35] Elder would make 26 appearances in this injury hit season, as Derby secured promotion to the Championship as league runners-up.[36]
After impressing in pre-season ahead of the 2024–25 season, Elder started in Derby's first six Championship fixtures at left-back before he sustained a groin injury at Sheffield United on 21 September 2024, with Derby head coach Paul Warne saying that injury was a "blow" as Elder had been in great form.[37] Elder returned to action in October and under new head coach John Eustace who took over in February 2025, Elder was utilised in left-wing back role. A knee injury in April 2025 ended his season a month early, with Elder playing 30 times for Derby during the season.[38]
Elder scored his first goal for Derby during the 2025–26 season, a direct free kick in Derby's 3–5 loss to Coventry City on 16 August 2025.[39]
International career
[edit]Elder was eligible to play for Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England at international level.[4] In October 2013, Elder was called up by Australia U20 for the 2014 AFC U19 Championship qualifying matches and made a single appearance in a 3–0 win over Chinese Taipei on 5 October.[40][41] He was not named in the squad for the tournament finals.[42]
In August 2021, Elder was called up to the Australia squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against China and Vietnam.[43] He made his debut on 2 September 2021 in a game against China, a 3–0 home victory. He substituted Aziz Behich in the 79th minute.[44]
Style of play
[edit]Elder describes himself as "an athletic full back. I like getting up and down the left-hand-side of the pitch".[45]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 8 November 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Mansfield Town (loan) | 2014–15[12] | League Two | 21 | 0 | — | — | — | 21 | 0 | |||
| Peterborough United (loan) | 2015–16[15] | League One | 18 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 1[a] | 0 | 21 | 1 | |
| Brentford (loan) | 2016–17[18] | Championship | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | |
| Barnsley (loan) | 2016–17[18] | Championship | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | |||
| Wigan Athletic (loan) | 2017–18[46] | League One | 27 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 |
| Ipswich Town (loan) | 2018–19[47] | Championship | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Hull City | 2019–20[48] | Championship | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| 2020–21[49] | League One | 44 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 48 | 1 | |
| 2021–22[50] | Championship | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
| 2022–23[51] | Championship | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 0 | |
| Total | 131 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 137 | 1 | ||
| Derby County | 2023–24[52] | League One | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | 26 | 0 |
| 2024–25[53] | Championship | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | |
| 2025–26[54] | Championship | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | |
| Total | 61 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 68 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 271 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 295 | 4 | ||
- ^ a b c Appearance in Football League Trophy
International
[edit]- As of match played 2 September 2021
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]Wigan Athletic
Hull City
- League One: 2020–21[56]
Derby County
- League One second-place promotion: 2023–24[36]
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 2020–21 League One[57]
- EFL League One Team of the Year: 2020–21[58]
References
[edit]- ^ "CONFIRMED! Leicester City's official 25-man Premier League squad and U21 list". TalkSport. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Callum Elder". 11v11. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
- ^ Buckingham, Philip (30 November 2019). "How Callum Elder's famous granddad inspired a career that has taken him from Sydney to Hull City". Hull Live. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ^ a b Brett, Ciaran. "Get to know new signing Callum Elder as he joins from Leicester City". Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "Academy Pair Pen Deals". Leicester City F.C. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 11 September 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "Leicester's Aussie young gun out to impress". 28 July 2015. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ City, Leicester. "Elder Signs New LCFC Deal". Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "Callum Elder: Mansfield Town sign Leicester City defender". BBC Sport. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
- ^ "Burton 2–1 Mansfield". BBC Sport. 10 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
- ^ "Elder's Mansfield Loan Extended". Leicester City F.C. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "Mansfield Extend Elder Stay". Leicester City F.C. 14 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Games played by Callum Elder in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ City, Leicester. "Elder Heads To Peterborough On Loan". www.lcfc.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ City, Leicester. "Elder Extends Peterborough Loan". www.lcfc.com. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ a b "Games played by Callum Elder in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "POSH LATEST: Blow for Peterborough United as Elder is ruled out of festive football". www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "Callum Elder joins from Leicester City". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Callum Elder in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "Brentford boss gives injury update on Callum Elder". 18 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ^ Moore, Tom (17 November 2016). "Injury update on Saunders, Bonham, Elder, Macleod, Henry & Judge". getwestlondon. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ Street, Tim (16 December 2016). "Leicester City take Brentford loanee back". getwestlondon. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
- ^ Moore, Tom (17 January 2017). "Brentford boss outlines plans for left back spot". getwestlondon. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Brentford loanee Callum Elder recalled by Leicester City". Brentford FC. Retrieved 31 January 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Callum Elder Joins On Loan From Leicester City". Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "Wolves' Lee Evans and Leicester's Callum Elder join Wigan on season-long loans". Retrieved 31 July 2017.
- ^ "MK Dons 0–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ^ "Wigan 3–0 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ "Callum Elder joins on loan". Ipswich Town Football Club. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
- ^ "Hull City have brought in a fourth new recruit on deadline day with the signing of defender Callum Elder from Leicester City". Hull City Tigers. Hull City AFC. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
- ^ "Hull City 2–2 Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. BBC. 14 September 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
- ^ "Hull 3–0 Northampton". BBC Sport. BBC. 5 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ "Retained List Confirmed". Hull City A.F.C. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "Elder to leave this summer". Hull City A.F.C. 6 May 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Defender Elder Arrives To Become Derby's Third Summer Signing". Derby County F.C. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
- ^ "Callum Elder makes Derby County admission as he reveals goal". Derby Telegraph. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Breaking: Derby County promoted as duo seal it for Paul Warne's side". Derby Telegraph. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Derby County hit by fresh injury woe and Paul Warne says 'it's a blow'". Derby Telegraph. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "John Eustace issues Callum Elder and Jeff Hendrick update amid Derby County injury latest". Derby Telegraph. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "Derby County 3–5 Coventry City". BBC Sport. 16 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "International Call-Ups For Five Foxes". Leicester City F.C. 5 January 2013. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "AFC U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP 2014".
- ^ "Paul Okon names Young Socceroos squad for AFC U-19 Championship". Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ^ "Mooy, Rogic boost Roos for WC qualifiers". FTBL.com.au. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- ^ "Australia v China game report". FIFA. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ "Elder: "I was really eager to jump at the chance to play here."". Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Callum Elder in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- ^ Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 382–383. ISBN 978-1-4722-6106-9.
- ^ "Hull City 3–1 Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. BBC. 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
- ^ "Norwich City dominate with six players in PFA Championship team of the year". BBC Sport. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ "Tigers Trio Recognised At EFL Awards". Hull City A.F.C. 29 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
External links
[edit]- Callum Elder at Soccerbase
Callum Elder
View on GrokipediaEarly and personal life
Early life
Callum Elder was born on 27 January 1995 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[2] Growing up in the city's vibrant northern beaches suburb of Mosman, he developed an early passion for football amid Australia's growing soccer culture, which was boosted by the launch of the A-League in 2005 and local community clubs.[8] His interest was further nurtured through family ties, including his maternal grandfather, former Republic of Ireland international Paddy Turner, whose career at Celtic inspired Elder's own ambitions in the sport.[9] Elder began his youth football journey at Mosman Football Club before joining Manly United at the age of six, where he quickly progressed through the ranks.[4] At Manly United, he demonstrated notable talent and leadership, captaining the under-16 team under coach Louis Dimitropoulos and earning a reputation for his discipline and work ethic during intense training sessions at Cromer Park.[8] His development in the Australian youth system highlighted his potential as a versatile defender, initially playing as a central midfielder before transitioning to left-back. In 2011, at the age of 16, Elder made the significant move to England to join Leicester City's academy as a scholar, leaving behind his family and familiar surroundings in Sydney.[10] The transition presented immediate challenges, including adapting to a new country, culture, and the rigors of professional youth training far from home, which required substantial personal sacrifice and resilience.[11] Despite these hurdles, Elder focused on honing his skills within Leicester's competitive environment, marking the start of his professional pathway.[8]Family and personal background
Elder was born to an Irish mother from Dublin and a Scottish father from Edinburgh, which provided him with eligibility to represent Ireland, Scotland, or Australia at the international level.[12] Despite this dual European heritage, he grew up in Sydney, Australia, where his parents introduced him to football.[9] He is the maternal grandson of Paddy Turner, a Republic of Ireland international footballer who had a 16-year professional career spanning clubs such as Morton in Scotland, Glentoran in Northern Ireland, Dundalk in Ireland, and Celtic in Scotland.[9] At Celtic from 1963, Turner was a teammate of notable players including Billy McNeill and Bobby Murdoch, and he earned 2 caps for Ireland between 1964 and 1967 before retiring in Dublin.[9] Elder has credited his grandfather's legacy with fostering a family connection to the sport, stating, "My mum’s dad, Paddy Turner, was a professional, he played for Celtic and for Ireland. You could say it grows in the family."[9] Elder has resided in England since relocating there at age 16 for a youth opportunity with Leicester City.[9] His family has provided consistent support during career transitions, including his decision to represent Australia internationally, with relatives across Ireland, Scotland, and Sydney keeping track of his matches.[12]Club career
Leicester City
Elder joined the Leicester City academy in 2011 at the age of 16, having previously played youth football in Australia. He quickly progressed through the club's youth system, featuring regularly for the under-18s and under-21s teams, and earned his first professional contract in July 2013, signing a two-year deal with an option for an additional year.[13] Despite his development in the academy, where he contributed to several youth successes including the 2013 FA Youth Cup run, Elder never made a first-team appearance for Leicester City's senior squad during his eight-year association with the club.[6] To gain senior experience, Elder was loaned out multiple times starting in 2014. His debut loan came to League Two side Mansfield Town in January 2015 on an initial one-month deal, which was extended until the end of the season; he made 21 appearances in all competitions without scoring.[14] The following season, in August 2015, he joined League One club Peterborough United on a season-long loan, where he featured 21 times across all competitions and scored once, helping the team to a mid-table finish.[4] In July 2016, Elder moved to Championship outfit Brentford on a season-long loan, but limited opportunities saw him make only 7 appearances before being recalled in January 2017. He was immediately loaned to another Championship side, Barnsley, for the remainder of the 2016–17 campaign, where he made 5 appearances without scoring.[15] The 2017–18 season brought his most extensive loan spell to League One's Wigan Athletic, lasting the full year; Elder appeared 33 times without scoring but was instrumental in their title-winning promotion to the Championship, often starting at left-back.[1] Elder returned to Leicester briefly in the summer of 2018 before securing a loan to Championship club Ipswich Town in January 2019 for the second half of the 2018–19 season. He made 4 appearances without scoring during Ipswich's ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation.[16] Unable to break into Leicester's first team amid increased competition following the club's Premier League consolidation, Elder was released in the summer of 2019 at the end of his contract, concluding an eight-year spell focused on youth development and loan maturation.[13]Hull City
Elder signed for Hull City on 8 August 2019, joining from Leicester City on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. In his debut 2019–20 EFL Championship season, Elder made 30 appearances as he adapted to the left-back role, contributing defensively during a challenging campaign that ended in relegation to EFL League One after a 3–0 defeat to Cardiff City confirmed the Tigers' drop.[17][18] The following 2020–21 season in EFL League One marked Elder's breakthrough, with 46 appearances (44 in the league) and 1 goal—a curling left-footed effort against Northampton Town—as he helped Hull City secure the title and automatic promotion back to the Championship with 89 points.[17][19] Returning to the Championship in 2021–22, Elder featured in 28 league appearances, providing consistent defensive support on the left flank amid a survival battle that saw Hull finish 19th with 51 points.[17] In his final 2022–23 season, he recorded 31 total appearances (29 in the league), bolstering the backline as the team achieved mid-table stability with a 15th-place finish and 58 points.[17] Over four seasons, Elder amassed 137 appearances and 1 goal for Hull City before his release in June 2023 upon the expiry of his contract.[20][21] His prior loan experiences had honed his versatility, enabling a successful transition to left-back where he excelled in defensive duties, including tackles and interceptions, while offering occasional forward surges.[22]Derby County
Elder signed with Derby County on 21 June 2023, joining as a free agent from Hull City on a three-year contract until the summer of 2026.[13][23] In the 2023–24 season, Elder made 26 appearances across all competitions, providing one assist despite injury interruptions, and played a key role in Derby's automatic promotion to the EFL Championship as League One runners-up.[1][24] During the 2024–25 Championship campaign, he featured in 29 appearances but was hampered by multiple injuries, including groin issues and a knee injury in April that sidelined him for 59 days and ended his season early.[25][26][27] Under manager John Eustace, Elder adapted to a left wing-back role within a 3-4-3 system, contributing to the team's defensive setup despite the physical toll.[28][29] As of November 2025 in the 2025–26 season, Elder has made early contributions, including scoring his first goal for Derby—a curling free kick—on 16 August in a 3–5 home loss to Coventry City, helping to level the score temporarily.[30][31] He has since integrated reliably into the squad as a defensive option at left wing-back, drawing on prior promotion experience from Hull City to aid Derby's Championship efforts.[32] Across his Derby tenure, Elder has recorded 61 appearances and 1 goal, with his contract set to expire in June 2026 amid discussions of future prospects influenced by ongoing injury concerns and squad competition.[33][34]International career
Youth international career
Born in Sydney, Australia, with Irish and Scottish heritage, Callum Elder was eligible to represent Australia (birthplace), the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, or England (residency).[35][10] In October 2013, Elder received his first call-up to the Australia Under-20 squad, known as the Young Socceroos, for the AFC U-19 Championship qualifying tournament held in Malaysia.[10][4] He made his sole appearance for the team during the group stage, starting in a 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on 4 October 2013, where he played the full 90 minutes as a left-back.[10][4] Australia finished second in Group F behind Vietnam, failing to advance to the finals, but Elder's performance contributed to the team's early successes in the competition.[35] This brief youth international exposure aligned with Elder's ongoing development at Leicester City, where he was on the cusp of professional loans, providing valuable high-level experience at age 18.[10] Despite the single cap, the opportunity highlighted his potential and helped pave the way for his later progression to senior international consideration, underscoring the role of youth representative football in his career trajectory.[35] No further appearances followed for the U20 side as Elder focused on club commitments in England.[35]Senior international career
Elder received his first call-up to the Australia senior national team in August 2021 for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against China and Vietnam, under head coach Graham Arnold. His impressive form as a left-back for Hull City in the EFL Championship during the 2020–21 season contributed to his selection.[36] Elder made his senior international debut on 2 September 2021 in the World Cup qualifier against China in Doha, Qatar, entering as a substitute in the 78th minute for Aziz Behich during Australia's 3–0 victory.[35] This appearance marked him as Socceroo number 614.[6] He was recalled to the national squad on 7 November 2025 by head coach Tony Popovic for friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia on 15 and 19 November, respectively, amid injuries to other left-back options.[37] Elder earned his second cap on 15 November 2025, substituting at half-time in a 1–0 friendly loss to Venezuela in Houston, United States.[38] He remains in contention for a third appearance against Colombia on 19 November 2025. As of 16 November 2025, Elder has earned two senior caps for Australia, with no goals scored.[6] Discussions around his future involvement highlight his experience as a reliable defensive option, though injuries have limited opportunities since his debut.[39] His earlier youth international appearances with Australia had laid the groundwork for this senior breakthrough.[40]Professional profile
Playing style
Callum Elder primarily operates as a left-back, with versatility allowing him to deploy as a left wing-back or left midfielder in various tactical setups.[41] His athletic profile emphasizes endurance and mobility, enabling effective overlapping runs and defensive recoveries along the flank. Elder has described himself as "an athletic full-back" who thrives on "getting up and down the left-hand-side," highlighting his capacity for sustained involvement in both attacking transitions and retreating to support the backline.[42] This stamina, rated highly in performance metrics, underpins his ability to cover the pitch repeatedly during matches.[43] Elder's strengths lie in his attacking contributions from the left, particularly his strong crossing ability and delivery from set pieces, as demonstrated by his direct free-kick goal for Derby County against Coventry City in August 2025.[41] He excels in key passes and whipping in crosses to create chances, often positioning himself for overlaps that stretch opposing defenses. Defensively, he shows tenacity in the penalty area, making reliable interventions against threats. However, weaknesses include occasional struggles with ball retention under pressure and less precise passing, which can limit his involvement in build-up play. Additionally, Elder has been prone to injuries, including knee issues and recent knocks, which have occasionally disrupted his consistency.[41][25][10] Over his career, Elder has evolved from a utility loan player in lower leagues to a dependable Championship defender, establishing himself as a regular at Derby County since 2023. His development reflects adaptation to higher demands, transitioning from sporadic appearances to consistent starts in competitive environments. Managers have noted his work rate positively; for instance, Derby's John Eustace has highlighted the squad's collective effort, with Elder contributing through resilience despite injury challenges. This progression aligns with traits of modern full-backs who balance defensive solidity with forward surges, though Elder prioritizes reliability over flair.[44][45]Club career statistics
Callum Elder has made a total of 290 senior appearances and scored 4 goals across various English leagues and cups as of November 10, 2025.[17] His club career includes loan spells from Leicester City to several teams, followed by permanent moves to Hull City and Derby County.| Club | Years | League Appearances | League Goals | Cup Appearances | Cup Goals | Total Appearances | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansfield Town (loan) | 2014–2015 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| Peterborough United (loan) | 2015–2016 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 1 |
| Barnsley (loan) | 2016–2017 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Brentford (loan) | 2016–2017 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Ipswich Town (loan) | 2018–2019 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Wigan Athletic (loan) | 2017–2018 | 27 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 33 | 1 |
| Hull City | 2019–2023 | 131 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 135 | 1 |
| Derby County | 2023–present | 62 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 66 | 1 |
| Total | 274 | 3 | 16 | 1 | 290 | 4 |
