PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aziz Eraltay Behich |
| Date of Birth | 16 December 1990 (Age: 35) |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 1.70–1.72 m |
| Weight | 68 kg / 150 lbs |
| Position | Left-Back / Wing-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #16 (Melbourne City), #24 (Australia) |
| Current Club | Melbourne City |
| Previous Clubs | Green Gully SC, Melbourne Victory, Hume City, Bursaspor, PSV Eindhoven, İstanbul Başakşehir, Kayserispor (loan), Giresunspor, Dundee United, Al-Nassr (loan) |
| International Caps | 87 |
| International Goals | 3 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | June 2027 |
| Market Value | €250K |
The Frozen Moment
The Saitama Stadium in Japan fell silent. June 2025. Australia and Japan, locked in a decisive World Cup qualifier that would determine automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. With just seconds remaining, the score was locked at 1-1, and Australia’s hopes of direct progression were fading.
Then came the moment of magic. Aziz Behich, the veteran left-back who had been a constant presence in the Socceroos setup for more than a decade, found himself in the Japanese penalty area. He struck the ball with ferocity, and it flew into the back of the net. The stadium erupted in disbelief. Australia had qualified for the World Cup.
The goal was his first international goal in 13 years—a one-touch wonder that secured Australia’s place at the 2026 World Cup. “That goal against Japan is probably the highlight of my career to date,” Behich reflected. “With what was on the line and the minute it happened, that’s something that I think when it’s all done and dusted I’ll look back on with a lot of happy memories.”
Origins
Aziz Eraltay Behich was born on December 16, 1990, in Melbourne, Australia. His parents are Turkish Cypriots who immigrated to Australia. Growing up, Behich was raised on Turkish football, waking up in the early hours of the night to watch the Süper Lig with his father Yasar, a staunch supporter of Istanbul giants Galatasaray.
His footballing journey began in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, where he first kicked a ball at Meadow Park SC before continuing his development at Green Gully. Green Gully coach Andy Vargas remembers a teenager whose determination immediately set him apart: “He came in as this skinny 16-year-old, weighed maybe 55 kilograms, but his intent and energy stood out straight away. Even the way he celebrated that goal against Altona; his ferocity and endeavour to compete was there from day one.”
After his spell at Green Gully, Behich earned his first professional opportunity with Melbourne Victory in 2009. While his initial stint in the A-League yielded only five senior appearances, the setback proved only temporary as he returned to the NPL Victoria with Hume City to continue his development.
The European Forge
Melbourne City (2010-2013):
Behich’s professional career took a significant step forward when he joined Melbourne City (then Melbourne Heart). Across three seasons and 65 appearances, he established a reputation as one of the competition’s most energetic and dependable full-backs, earning national team recognition and attracting interest from overseas.
Bursaspor (2013-2018):
Following his Socceroos debut in 2012, Behich secured a move to Turkish powerhouse Bursaspor, beginning a decade-long career abroad. He would spend five years in Turkey, making 121 appearances for the club and scoring 6 goals. During his time with Bursaspor, his father switched his allegiance from Galatasaray to Bursaspor when his son donned the jersey.
PSV Eindhoven and Başakşehir (2018-2020):
In 2018, Behich joined Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. His time in the Netherlands saw limited opportunities—just 4 Eredivisie appearances. He moved to İstanbul Başakşehir in 2019, where he won the Süper Lig title. He made 5 league appearances for the club.
Kayserispor and Giresunspor (2020-2022):
Behich was loaned to Kayserispor for the 2020-21 season, making 34 Süper Lig appearances. In 2021, he joined Giresunspor, making 34 league appearances in the 2021-22 season.
Dundee United and Return to Australia (2022-2024):
Behich moved to Scottish side Dundee United in 2022, making 31 Scottish Premiership appearances and scoring 3 goals. In 2023, he returned to Australia, signing for Melbourne City. He also had a brief loan spell at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia during the 2023-24 season, making 3 AFC Champions League appearances.
The Anatomy of His Game
Aziz Behich is a veteran left-back defined by his tenacity, work rate, and versatility. Standing at 1.70 meters, he compensates with exceptional energy and the ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
In Possession:
Behich is comfortable advancing down the left flank and contributes to attacking play. In his return to Melbourne City, he has recorded 5 goals and 5 assists across his A-League career, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the final third. He is also a capable crosser of the ball and possesses composure in possession under pressure.
Out of Possession:
Behich’s defensive work rate is his defining quality. His tenacity, aggression in the tackle, and ability to read the game have made him a reliable presence for club and country across more than a decade. His stamina allows him to make overlapping runs in attack while still tracking back defensively.
Psychological Edge:
Behich’s mental resilience and professionalism are defining characteristics. He approaches every international camp as if it could be his last: “The national team is something I never take for granted, it’s not like club football. I treat every camp like it’s my last camp, I do my best to put myself in the best possible position to get selected.” His mindset against top opposition is unwavering: “Even when we were playing Argentina, I don’t see the person there… I have a job to do against that person.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season & World Cup)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-League (Melbourne City) | 25 | 2,280 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 9 | — | 0 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 217 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 37 | 2,497+ | 3 | 2 | 5 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2013 | Melbourne City | A-League | 65 | — |
| 2013-2018 | Bursaspor | Süper Lig | 121 | 6 |
| 2018-2019 | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie | 4 | 0 |
| 2019-2020 | İstanbul Başakşehir | Süper Lig | 5 | 0 |
| 2020-2021 | Kayserispor (loan) | Süper Lig | 34 | 0 |
| 2021-2022 | Giresunspor | Süper Lig | 34 | 0 |
| 2022-2023 | Dundee United | Scottish Premiership | 31 | 3 |
| 2023-Present | Melbourne City | A-League | 62 | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 356+ | 14+ |
TABLE C: International Record (2012-2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup 2015 | — | 0 | Winner |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | — | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 4 | 0 | Started all 4 matches |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | 2 starts |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 31 | 1 | Scored winning goal vs Japan |
| Friendlies | 29 | 2 | — |
| TOTAL | 87 | 3 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Socceroos Debut | vs South Korea |
| 2015 | AFC Asian Cup Winner | Australia’s first major trophy |
| 2018 | World Cup Debut | Russia 2018 |
| 2022 | World Cup Campaign | Started all 4 matches |
| 2023 | Return to Melbourne City | Rejoined A-League club |
| 2025 | PFA Player of the Year | Australian football recognition |
| 2025 | World Cup Qualifying Goal | Winning goal vs Japan |
| 2026 | Third World Cup | 35 years old, one of most decorated Socceroos |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable longevity and consistency. Behich has made over 350 professional appearances across five countries, winning an Asian Cup, reaching two World Cup knockout stages, and scoring a historic qualifying goal. His 87 caps at 35 years old demonstrate his durability and importance to the national team. His 2022 World Cup campaign, where he started all four matches, and his 2026 campaign, where he started Australia’s two knockout matches, reflect his reliability on the biggest stage.
The Present Tense
Aziz Behich is 35 years old and in the latter stages of a distinguished career. He is Melbourne City’s starting left-back, a veteran Socceroo, and one of only a handful of Australian players to feature at three World Cups.
The Melbourne City Story:
Behich returned to Melbourne City in 2023 after a decade abroad. In the 2025-26 season, he made 25 A-League appearances, scored 3 goals, and recorded 2 assists. He has made 62 A-League appearances for City since his return, scoring 5 goals. His contract runs until June 2027.
The World Cup Campaign:
Behich was named in Tony Popovic’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup—his third tournament. He featured in three matches, starting in the draw against Paraguay and the Round of 32 knockout match against Egypt, which Australia lost on penalties. In the Round of 32 match, he played the full 120 minutes, recorded 1 shot on target, 4 crosses, 2 tackles won, and 1 interception.
His experience became even more valuable when veteran Mathew Leckie and right-back Jacob Italiano departed the squad due to injury, reducing Australia to 24 players. Behich expressed his disappointment for his Melbourne City teammate: “I’m gutted for him. I saw first-hand this year what he had to do to get back on that pitch.”
International Record:
Behich has earned 87 caps for Australia since his debut in 2012. He has scored 3 international goals, including the dramatic winner against Japan that secured World Cup qualification—his first international goal in 13 years. He has appeared in three World Cups and was a member of the victorious 2015 Asian Cup squad. He has also featured in the Confederations Cup and multiple Asian Cup tournaments.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Aziz Behich is defined by his dual heritage and the connection to Türkiye that has shaped his career. Born in Melbourne to Turkish Cypriot parents, he has spent more than half his professional career in Turkey, playing nine seasons in the Süper Lig. “I spent more than half my career in Türkiye. Türkiye holds a very special place in my life,” he explained.
His opening match against Türkiye at the 2026 World Cup was a bittersweet moment. While he wears the green and gold, his second home was on the other side of the pitch. “It’s an important match for me, I’m excited. It’ll be different, but at the end of the day, it’s a football match. It’s all about three points.”
His father Yasar, who introduced him to football, remains his biggest supporter. He watched the match against Türkiye with the family in the stands. Behich’s connection to his roots is strong—he grew up watching Turkish football with his father, a tradition that has shaped his footballing identity.
Behich’s approach to the game is defined by a fearless mentality. He treats every international camp as if it’s his last: “I’m doing everything I can, making sure I’m leaving no stone unturned to give myself the best chance to get selected into the final squad.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Tony Popovic, Australia head coach:
Popovic selected Behich for the 2026 World Cup, trusting his experience and reliability as one of Australia’s most decorated players.
Andy Vargas, Green Gully coach:
“Aziz just had this tenacity about him. He was always someone we felt was going to make it… his ferocity and endeavour to compete was there from day one.”
Aziz Behich, on his World Cup mentality:
“I’ve always been like that in my career, even when I was in Turkey playing against big names. Once I’m on the pitch, it’s just another player for me. It’s not in a disrespectful way, but it’s just the way I see it. That I have a job to do against that person.”
Aziz Behich, on setting the standard:
“I think now we’ve set the bar. Two World Cups in a row; we’ve reached the knockout stages. No-one else has set the bar for us. That’s us as a squad and as players and staff. We’ve done that from the way we’ve worked.”
Aziz Behich, on his qualifying goal:
“That goal against Japan is probably the highlight of my career to date. With what was on the line and the minute it happened, that’s something that I think when it’s all done and dusted I’ll look back on with a lot of happy memories.”
Where Next?
Aziz Behich is 35 years old and in the latter stages of his career. He is under contract with Melbourne City until June 2027 and has established himself as a veteran leader at the club and for the Socceroos.
For Australia, he represents experience and leadership. His World Cup appearances in 2018, 2022, and 2026, along with his Asian Cup victory in 2015, make him one of the most decorated players in Australian football history. With 87 caps, he is among Australia’s most capped players. His role as a mentor to younger players is increasingly valuable as the squad transitions to a new generation.
For Melbourne City, he is a leader and a consistent presence on the left flank. His return to the A-League has been productive, with 62 appearances, 5 goals, and a growing reputation as one of the league’s most reliable veterans.
His legacy is secure. From Melbourne’s northern suburbs to three World Cups, from an Asian Cup victory to a dramatic qualifying goal that sent Australia to the 2026 World Cup, Aziz Behich has written one of the most enduring stories in Australian football. Over 350 professional appearances, 87 international caps, and a career spanning five countries—the boy who started as a “skinny 16-year-old” at Green Gully has become a Socceroos legend.
