Sydney FC have signed 17-year-old attacking midfielder Marin France on a three-year deal – the first professional contract of the academy prospect’s career.
France steps up to the club’s first team after winning Sydney’s Rising Star Award at the 2024 Sky Blue Ball.
Described as a winger or number 10 who likes to create and excite, reports of France’s performance during the academy’s recent trip to Germany impressed Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay, who has now presented the teenager with the chance to make his mark in the first-team squad.
“It’s hard to put into words how I felt,” said France, describing the moment he signed his first professional contract.
“There was a lot of emotion because you put so much into it and to hear you have got the opportunity to sign with the best club in Australia, it’s something you dream of as a kid.
“I grew up idolizing the likes of Del Piero, Brosque, Ninkovic, Luke Brattan, Anthony Caceres when I was younger, and now I’m playing with these sorts of players, it’s really special.
“If you’ve ever played football it’s the sort of things you dream of.”
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Sydney head coach Talay says France’s first-team arrival represents the club’s intention to bring talent through the academy and into the senior squads, where they’ll receive their opportunities in both the Liberty A-League Women and Isuzu UTE A-League men.
“He is a winger who did exceptionally well and when the squad went over to Germany, he played some really good games,” he said.
“We are bringing in the young players we believe will take the next step into our A-League squad, while also giving them game time with our NPL side.
“I think the quicker they come into our environment, the quicker their development will be.”
Before France’s contract commences in July, he will continue to train with the club’s senior squad and National Premier League outfit.
