Dubbed the ‘Australian Kante’, former Central Coast Mariners star Max Balard is gearing up for a potential Subway Socceroos debut.
Local media and NAC Breda fans have given the two-time Isuzu UTE A-League champion the nickname due to his workrate and industry in midfield amid an impressive start to life in the Dutch Eredivisie.
So, what does the A-Leagues product think of it?
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“I’m very flattered by it. I think it’s the supporters from NAC Breda who’ve given me that name,” Balard told reporters with a smile.
“Kante is a top player I must say. I’m very flattered. I’m just doing my job over there.
“The coach’s given me a lot of confidence and the supporters have been amazing as well making me feel at home over there. When you’re by yourself on the other side of the world, it can be tough sometimes. But for me, it’s been very easy and I can’t complain.”
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Balard has been called up by the Socceroos for the first time as Tony Popovic’s Australia prepare for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne before visiting Bahrain on November 20.
The 23-year-old has been rewarded for his fine form with NAC Breda after leaving the Mariners at the end of 2023-24.
Balard – who is learning Dutch – has made the most tackles (26), interceptions (19) and won possession more times (59) than any other player for Breda this Eredivisie season.
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“I was in Breda at my house and I got a message from the team manager. I had to read it twice to make sure I was in the team, and not just on standby,” Balard said of how he discovered he was selected.
“I was overjoyed. Of course I called my parents straightaway and thankfully they were still awake here in Australia.
“My mum was screaming. My dad was just super happy holding my mum in his arms. It was just a beautiful moment.”
His Socceroos inclusion means a reunion with former Victory boss Popovic, almost six months on from the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.
Balard’s Mariners got the better of Popovic and Victory 3-1 in the decider at Industree Group Stadium.
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“I’m very excited,” Balard smiled. “He did an amazing job for Melbourne Victory. Unfortunately we got the win over him in the Grand Final. Really excited to see what we can do here.”
