Aziz Behich, the Melbourne City captain, has a story that transcends just soccer. His experiences have shaped not only his career but also his character. Growing up in Meadow Heights, near Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north-west, he always had a thirst for challenges. Little did he know that these challenges would lead him to moments that many can only dream of.
Behich has marked his territory against some of the biggest names in soccer history. From facing off against Lionel Messi in a World Cup match to sharing the field with Cristiano Ronaldo as a teammate during his time at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Behich’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Reflecting on his time with Ronaldo, Behich fondly recalls,
“I got to share the pitch with, for me, the greatest footballer to play the game and celebrate his goals as well.”
The experience was surreal for Behich—a blend of admiration and professional growth. He learned valuable lessons from Ronaldo himself, like waiting for the iconic “Siuuu” celebration before joining in on goal celebrations.
In Turkey’s intense football environment, Behich faced off against top-tier players and gained invaluable experience playing in one of Europe’s competitive leagues.
“It gives you experience at a higher level. I’ve always been one to embrace challenges and test myself against the best in the world,”
Behich reflects on his time there.
But it was not all smooth sailing for Behich. His career took a pivotal turn during the 2009-2010 grand final when he missed a crucial header opportunity while playing for Victory against Sydney FC. However, this setback led to an unexpected opportunity with Melbourne Heart (now known as Melbourne City), where he transitioned from a speedy winger to an accomplished left-back under coach John van’t Schip’s guidance.
Van’t Schip saw potential in him and made a bold move by shifting him to left-back—a decision that set Behich on course for 75 Socceroos caps, an Asia Cup win in 2015, two World Cups appearances, and ten years of club football across Europe.
Aurelio Vidmar, City’s coach acknowledges Behich’s leadership qualities saying: “We certainly missed him last season…he’s been instrumental.
” Vidmar credits Behich with making his job easier due to his proactive approach both on and off-field situations.
As Melbourne City gears up for A-League grand finals against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park—a sold-out event—Behich stands out as not just a seasoned player but also a role model within the team. Winning the championship on home turf would be especially meaningful for someone like Behich who takes pride in his roots: “
I’m straight out of Meadow Heights…It’s made me the person I am today.”
Aziz Behrich’s journey is more than just about victories or defeats—it embodies resilience and seizing opportunities when they arise despite initial setbacks—an inspiring narrative that resonates beyond soccer fields into life itself.
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