Melbourne City have confirmed that Socceroos defender Aziz Behich has been named the captain of their Isuzu UTE A-League side for the 2024-25 season.
Capped 70 times by Australia, the full-back takes the armband from the recently departed club great Jamie Maclaren after returning from a stint on loan in Saudi Arabia playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Behich will be ably supported by fellow Socceroo Mathew Leckie, who has been appointed vice-captain.
The 33-year-old launched his career with City, making 89 appearances for what was then Melbourne Heart between 2010 and 2013, going on to ply his trade in Turkey, the Netherlands and Scotland before returning to the club in 2023.
Behich will captain the side for the first time when City face the winner of Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar in the Australia Cup Round of 32 on August 3.
“Being named Captain of this Club is a huge privilege and an honour for not just myself, but my entire family,” Behich said after being given the armband.
“This Club has played a huge part in my career. It’s where I got my start and to come back and be given the responsibility to captain the Club is very special to me.
“The expectation at Melbourne City is to win and this season will be no different. All of the
players across the squad know that, and we’ll be doing everything we can on and off the pitch to be up there challenging for silverware again this year.”
City Director of Football Michael Petrillo added: “Aziz is a natural leader. He leads by example and is a vocal presence in the locker room; he’s somebody who really cares about the Club.
“We know what we are going to get from him, and I have no doubt he will be a fantastic leader.
“He’ll be well supported in the role by Mathew, a deserving Vice Captain and somebody who we know will always put the team first.”
City boss Aurelio Vidmar spoke of his confidence in Behich’s leadership abilities.
“Aziz brings immense experience and a strong presence both on and off the pitch. He drives high standards within the team, and his leadership is invaluable, especially for our younger players,” Vidmar said.
“He’s someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, and I have no doubt that Aziz will challenge and inspire the squad to improve each and every day this season.”
