Biography
Who is Ivan Franjic?
Early life and career beginnings
Ivan Frankie Franjic was born in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, 1987. He is a Virgo and stands at 180 centimetres tall. Before focusing fully on professional soccer, he completed a carpentry apprenticeship while playing in the Victorian Premier League.
He played junior football for Meadow Park Eagles, Melbourne Knights, and St Albans Saints. He made his senior debut for the St Albans Saints during the 2005 season, scoring five goals in 39 appearances before moving back to the Melbourne Knights.
A-League success with Brisbane Roar
After playing for Oakleigh Cannons, Ivan Franjic moved to the A-League to join Brisbane Roar in August 2009 initially as an injury replacement. He quickly established himself as a reliable right-back and wingback, impressing fans and analysts alike with his energetic performances.
He scored key goals for the club, including a memorable volley against Central Coast Mariners and an equalising goal against North Queensland Fury. He played in the 2011 A-League Grand Final, scoring a penalty in the shootout to help Brisbane Roar secure the championship. He won multiple titles with the club, including A-League Premierships and Championships.
International career and overseas clubs
Ivan Franjic made his international debut for the Socceroos in December 2012 under manager Holger Osieck. He was selected for the squad that traveled to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, starting at right-back in the opening match against Chile before suffering a hamstring injury that ended his tournament.
He also played a vital role in Australia's victorious 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign on home soil. He provided an assist in the opening match against Kuwait and started the final against South Korea, where he was substituted due to an injury as Australia won 2-1.
Later club career and coaching
Throughout his extensive club career, Ivan Franjic played for several other teams both domestically and abroad. In August 2014, he moved to Russian Premier League side FC Torpedo Moscow on a three-year contract, later leaving the club due to unpaid wages in April 2015.
He returned to the A-League to play for Melbourne City, where he won the FFA Cup in 2016. He subsequently played for South Korean club Daegu FC, returned briefly to Brisbane Roar, and then joined Perth Glory and Macarthur FC. In November 2022, he agreed to join Melbourne Knights for the 2023 season. He later transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of head coach for Whittlesea United.
Birthday and age
Ivan Franjic was born on September 10, 1987, which makes Ivan 39 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Ivan shares the date with 48 other famous people.
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