Daniel Arzani
Daniel Arzani training for Melbourne Victory, December 2023
Personal information
Full name Daniel Arzani[1]
Date of birth (1999-01-04) 4 January 1999
Place of birth Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran[2]
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)[3]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, winger
Team information
Current team
 Melbourne Victory
Number 19
Youth career
2009–2011 Coogee United
2011–2013 Eastern Suburbs
2014–2015 FFA CoE
2015–2016 Sydney FC
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Melbourne City NPL 6 (1)
2016–2018 Melbourne City 24 (2)
2018–2022 Manchester City 0 (0)
2018–2020 → Celtic (loan) 1 (0)
2020–2021 → Utrecht (loan) 4 (0)
2020–2021 → Jong Utrecht (loan) 6 (1)
2021 → AGF (loan) 4 (0)
2021–2022 → Lommel (loan) 13 (1)
2022–2023 Macarthur FC 19 (1)
2023– Melbourne Victory 9 (1)
International career‡
2014–2015 Australia U17 7 (1)
2017 Australia U20 1 (0)
2017–2021 Australia U23 9 (3)
2018– Australia 6 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 December 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 28 July 2021

Daniel Arzani (Persian: دانیال ارزانی; born 4 January 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and winger for A-League Men club Melbourne Victory. Born in Iran, he represents the Australia national team.[3]

Club career

Sydney FC

Daniel Arzani played for the youth team of Sydney FC in 2016.[4]

Melbourne City FC

2016–17 season

Arzani started playing for Melbourne City in 2016.[5] On 28 January 2017, Arzani scored a goal for Melbourne City Youth in the Grand Final to win the 2016–17 A-League National Youth League.[6]

2017–18 season

On 6 January 2018 during their 2017–18 season, Arzani was brought on as a substitute with the senior side and provided two assists in a 2–1 comeback win against Wellington Phoenix FC.[7][8] He provided two more assists in his first senior start on 9 January against Perth Glory FC.[9] Arzani scored his first A-League goal on 25 January 2018 against Newcastle Jets FC.[10] After just four starts from his club's 18 league games, Arzani led his team for the most successful dribbles with 31.[11] He won the A-League player of the month award for his performances in January.[12] By April 2018, Arzani led the league in successful dribbles with 89, provided the most assists out of all under-23 players in the league, and was nominated for the A-League Young Footballer of the Year award.[13] At the conclusion of the season, it was announced that he won the award.[14][15] He was subsequently named in the A-League Team of the Season.[16] In July 2018, Arzani won the Harry Kewell Medal for the best Australian male under-23 player.[17]

Manchester City

On 9 August 2018, Arzani moved from Melbourne City to fellow City Football Group club Manchester City, with his new club indicating they intended to loan him to another side.[18]

Loan to Celtic

On 17 August 2018, Arzani was loaned to Scottish champions Celtic on a two-year loan deal.[19] Arzani scored a free kick for the Celtic Academy on 17 September 2018 against Aberdeen.[20] He was given his first team debut by manager Brendan Rodgers on 31 October 2018 in a Scottish Premiership match against Dundee.[21] He suffered a torn ACL on debut, ruling him out for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and the rest of the Celtic season, as well as the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship.[22][23] Arzani made his return from injury on 17 September 2019 in a Celtic reserves match against Hibernian.[24] He made his return to the Celtic first team on 18 January 2020 under manager Neil Lennon in a Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle.[25] Arzani scored his final goal for Celtic in a reserves match against English Championship side Middlesbrough on 11 February 2020.[26]

Loan to Utrecht

On 7 August 2020, Arzani joined Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht on loan ahead of their 2020–21 season.[27] He made his club debut in a friendly match against the Go Ahead Eagles the following day on 8 August 2020.[28] He provided his first assist for the club in his following friendly match against AFC Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena on 13 August 2020 and made his Eredivisie debut in their opening match at VVV-Venlo on 18 September 2020.[29] He had his first assist in the Eredivisie from a corner on 27 September 2020 during his next match against RKC Waalwijk.[30] Arzani subsequently made his Jong Utrecht debut on 19 October 2020 against Jong Ajax before making his Dutch Cup debut for the senior team against FC Dordrecht on 27 October 2020 with an assist to Sander van de Streek.[31] Arzani scored his first goal for Jong Utrecht on 4 December 2020 in a league match against Almere City FC.[32]

Loan to Aarhus

On 26 January 2021, Arzani joined AGF in the Danish Superliga on loan during the 2020–21 season.[33] He scored a goal on his club debut in a friendly match against AC Horsens on 3 February 2021 and made his league debut against Lyngby on 7 February 2021.[34][35] He made his Danish Cup debut in the following match on 10 February against B.93 Copenhagen.[36] Arzani made two appearances for the reserve side within his first month, scoring in both matches.[37] He made his final appearance of the season on 28 May 2021 in a European play-off match against AaB, helping his team reach the qualification rounds of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League.[38]

Loan to Lommel

On 19 August 2021, Arzani joined City Football Group-owned Lommel SK in the Belgian second division on loan, scoring a goal on his club debut during a trial on 8 August in a friendly match against Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk.[39][40] He made his competitive debut for the club on 21 August in a league match against Mouscron during the 2021–22 season.[41] Arzani scored his first league goal for the club on 11 December 2021 against Mouscron at the Stade Le Canonnier.[42]

Macarthur FC

On 26 July 2022, Arzani joined Macarthur FC ahead of the 2022–23 A-League Men season.[43] He made his club debut on 30 July 2022, scoring a goal and providing two assists in an Australia Cup match against Magpies Crusaders.[44][45] Arzani contributed to three goals in the semi-final on 14 September 2022 against Oakleigh Cannons FC, scoring two goals and winning a penalty that was scored by Ulises Dávila, helping his team reach their first-ever final.[46] On 1 October 2022, Arzani helped lead Macarthur to their first-ever trophy in club history by winning the 2022 Australia Cup Final.[47] Arzani scored his first league goal for the club and provided an assist in their home opener on 16 October 2022 against Adelaide United in Campbelltown Stadium, with his goal celebration being in support of the Mahsa Amini protests.[48][49] By November 2022, Arzani led the league in successful dribbles for the season after five league matches.[50] With five goals and eight assists in all competitions during the season, Arzani was granted an early release from his contract by Macarthur on 7 July 2023 after one season with the club.[51][52]

Melbourne Victory FC

On 9 July 2023, it was announced that Arzani had signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Victory ahead of their 2023–24 season.[52] Arzani scored his first goal for Victory and provided two assists on 30 August 2023 in a pre-season friendly match against Dandenong City,[53] before scoring again in a friendly match against North Geelong Warriors on 20 September 2023.[54] He made his league debut for the club during their season opener on 21 October 2023 against Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney.[55] Arzani provided his first league assist for the club in the following match during their home opener on 29 October 2023 against Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.[56] He scored his first league goal for the club on 16 December 2023 against Sydney FC.[57][58]

International career

Youth

Arzani has played for Australia at the under-17, under-20 and under-23 levels, and was called into Australia's 2014 AFC U-16 Championship and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup squads.[59] Due to his Iranian heritage, Arzani was eligible to represent both Iran and Australia at international level. In February 2018, Arzani stated that he was leaning more towards representing Australia over Iran.[60]

Arzani returned to the under-23 team in October 2019 for Australia's Olympic qualifying preparations ahead of the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship.[61] Manager Graham Arnold stated Arzani would be missing the tournament due to his ongoing recovery process before noting that he could be added to their Olympic squad should Australia qualify.[23][62]

Arzani scored his first goal for the under-23 team on 12 June 2021, scoring a brace in a friendly match against Mexico during Olympic preparations in Marbella.[63][64] On 28 June 2021, Arzani was named in the Olyroos Olympic squad.[65] He made his Olympic debut on 22 July 2021, starting the match and playing 79 minutes in a 2–0 win over Argentina at the Sapporo Dome.[66] Arzani played in all three group stage matches against Argentina, Spain, and Egypt.[67]

Senior

At the age of 19, Arzani was called into Australia's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 7 May 2018.[68] He made his international debut for Australia as an 84th-minute substitute for Mathew Leckie in a friendly match against the Czech Republic on 1 June 2018.[69] He was named in Bert van Marwijk's final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup the following day, becoming the youngest ever Australian player in a World Cup squad as well as the youngest player overall at the 2018 World Cup.[70][71] Arzani scored his first international goal for Australia one minute after being substituted on in the next friendly match for a 2–1 win against Hungary on 9 June 2018.[72] He made his World Cup debut on 16 June 2018 as an 84th-minute substitute against France.[73] At the age of 19 years and 163 days he became the youngest player to ever make a World Cup appearance for Australia.[74] Arzani was used as a substitute in all three World Cup matches against France, Denmark and Peru.[75]

In August 2021, Arzani was called into the Australia squad for the start of the third round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[76]

Style of play

Arzani has been praised for his quick speed and skillful dribbling, capable of playing across either wing or in behind the striker.[77] He played street football and futsal from a young age.[2][78]

Outside football

Personal life

Born in Iran to Sima and John Arzani along with his brother Ben, Daniel moved to Australia with his family at the age of seven and was raised in Sydney before moving to Melbourne.[2][79][80] He is fluent in English and Persian.[59] Arzani is a former student of St Spyridon College, Sydney Boys High School and La Trobe University.[81][82][83]

Sponsorship

Arzani has a contract with American sportswear supplier Nike.[84]

Career statistics

Club

As of 16 September 2022[5]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
FFA Centre of Excellence 2014 NPL Capital Football 12100–121
2015 8100–81
Total 20200–202
Melbourne City Reserves 2016[85] NPL Victoria 2 1000–10
2017[86] 5100–51
Total 6100–61
Melbourne City 2016–17 A-League 6010–70
2017–18 18220–202
Total 24230–272
Celtic (loan) 2018–19 Scottish Premiership 10000010
2019–20 00100010
Total 10100020
FC Utrecht (loan) 2020–21 Eredivisie 40100050
Jong FC Utrecht (loan) 2020–21 Eerste Divisie 61000061
AGF (loan) 2020–21 Danish Superliga 40100050
Lommel (loan) 2021–22 Belgian First Division B 1311000140
Macarthur 2022–23 A-League Men 00430043
Career total 78611300899

International

As of match played 8 November 2018[87]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Australia 201861
Total61
As of 9 June 2018[5]
Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Arzani goal.
List of international goals scored by Daniel Arzani
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 9 June 2018Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary2 Hungary1–02–1Friendly

Honours

Melbourne City

Macarthur FC

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Australia" (PDF). FIFA. 15 July 2018. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 Lynch, Joey (14 May 2018). "From Khorramabad to Kazan? The making of Daniel Arzani". The Daily Football Show. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Daniel Arzani". Melbourne City FC. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  4. ↑ Thomas, Josh (6 April 2018). "Daniel Arzani not surprised by Socceroos snub but vows allegiance to Australia". Goal.com. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 Daniel Arzani at Soccerway. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  6. ↑ "Melbourne City crowned Foxtel NYL Champions". MyFootball.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  7. ↑ Harrington, Anna (7 January 2018). "Daniel Arzani inspires Melbourne City to a 2-1 comeback Victory over Wellington Phoenix". Fox Sports Australia. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  8. ↑ McKay, Ben (6 January 2018). "Teen star Daniel Arzani inspires lifeless Melbourne City to barely deserved victory over Wellington Phoenix". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  9. ↑ "Perth Glory v Melbourne City video, highlights: Daniel Arzani stars with two assists in win". Fox Sports Australia. 10 January 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  10. ↑ "Melbourne City force late draw against Newcastle Jets". ESPNFC.com. Australian Associated Press. 25 January 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  11. ↑ "Daniel Arzani close to Socceroos World Cup selection, says Graham Arnold". Goal.com. 28 January 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  12. ↑ "Arzani named PFA Player of the Month". Melbourne City FC. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  13. ↑ "NAB Young footballer of the year nominee: Daniel Arzani". A-League.com.au. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  14. ↑ Smithies, Tom (30 April 2018). "Dolan Warren Awards: Mierzejewski wins Johnny Warren; Kerr, Polkinghorn split the Dolan". The Daily Telegraph.
  15. 1 2 "Arzani named top young footballer". Australian FourFourTwo. 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  16. 1 2 "PFA's A-League Team of the Season dominated by premiers Sydney FC". ESPNFC.com.au. Australian Associated Press. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  17. 1 2 Colangelo, Anthony (3 July 2018). "PFA honours Arzani, Kerr, Okon and Mooy at awards night". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  18. ↑ "City sign Daniel Arzani from Melbourne". Manchster City. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  19. ↑ "Daniel Arzani signs for Celtic on two-year loan deal". Celtic FC. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  20. ↑ "Socceroos news: Daniel Arzani scores first goal for Celtic with fantastic free-kick - Goal.com". goal.com.
  21. ↑ "Daniel Arzani injury ACL: Celtic, Socceroos latest news, Brendan Rodgers, Tom Rogic goal video". 1 November 2018.
  22. ↑ "Daniel Arzani confirms he will need operation on torn ACL". ABC News. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  23. 1 2 "'Hasn't kicked a ball since October'".
  24. ↑ "Daniel Arzani makes Celtic return as Hibs earn point against reserves". 17 September 2019.
  25. ↑ "Partick Thistle vs Celtic RECAP". 18 January 2020.
  26. ↑ "Watch: Daniel Arzani finishes brilliant team move for Celtic academy in 1-1 Middlesbrough draw".
  27. ↑ "Socceroo Arzani joins FC Utrecht on loan | The World Game". theworldgame.sbs.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020.
  28. ↑ "Arzani makes debut for FC Utrecht". The World Game. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  29. ↑ "Venlo vs. Utrecht". Sky Sports.
  30. ↑ "Aussies Abroad: Taggart nets a hat-trick, Arzani gets first assist". Socceroos. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  31. ↑ "KNVB Cup First Round: Twente out as Utrecht and Heerenveen progress". Football Oranje. 27 October 2020.
  32. ↑ "Almere City vs. Jong FC Utrecht - Football Match Summary". ESPN. 4 December 2020.
  33. ↑ "DANIEL ARZANI LEAVES FC UTRECHT". FC Utrecht. 26 January 2021.
  34. ↑ "Testeftermiddag på Fredensvang - AGF Fodbold". agf.dk. Archived from the original on 3 February 2021.
  35. ↑ "AGF Aarhus vs. Lyngby - Football Match Stats - February 7, 2021 - ESPN".
  36. ↑ "Det dufter af pokalsemifinale: AGF tromlede hen over B93, men dummede sig dog i overtiden". 10 February 2021.
  37. ↑ "Has Daniel Arzani hit another dead end in Denmark with AGF?".
  38. ↑ "AGF Aarhus vs. AaB - Football Match Summary - May 28, 2021 - ESPN".
  39. ↑ "Daniel Arzani joins Belgian second-division club Lommel SK on loan from Manchester City".
  40. ↑ "A-League and Australian transfer news and rumours: Socceroos star Martin Boyle makes decision on his future after big bid comes in | Sporting News Australia". Archived from the original on 19 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  41. ↑ Twitter message
  42. ↑ @LommelSKOff (11 December 2021). "10'" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  43. ↑ "Daniel Arzani hoping to reignite his career with Macarthur FC in A-League Men's". ABC News. 26 July 2022.
  44. ↑ "Magpies Crusaders vs. Macarthur - 30 July 2022 - Soccerway".
  45. ↑ "Magpies Crusaders vs Macarthur, Australia Cup, Round of 32, 30th Jul 2022". 29 June 2022.
  46. ↑ "Daniel Arzani double helps Macarthur into Australia Cup final". 14 September 2022.
  47. 1 2 "Macarthur FC's quality and squad depth makes the difference in Australia Cup final". October 2022.
  48. ↑ "Socceroos aspirant shows support for Iranian protestors after boosting World Cup chances". 16 October 2022.
  49. ↑ "Video: Arzani's beautiful gesture for women's rights". Smh.com.au. 21 October 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  50. ↑ Harrington, Anna (6 November 2022). "Arzani makes final push for WC berth". South Coast Register.
  51. ↑ matthewcomito (7 July 2023). "Daniel Arzani released by Macarthur FC". KEEPUP. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  52. 1 2 nicholasdurbano (9 July 2023). "Arzani confident he can recapture his 'best version' as he makes return to 'special place' with Victory". KEEPUP. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  53. ↑ "19'"."35'"."43'".
  54. ↑ https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/mens-friendly-match-report-victory-proves-too-strong-in-friendly-against-north-geelong-warriors
  55. ↑ https://aleagues.com.au/a-league-men/fixtures/sydney-vs-melbourne-victory-21-10-2023/
  56. ↑ https://www.riverineherald.com.au/aap-soccer/fornaroli-masterclass-leads-victory-past-jets/
  57. ↑ https://aleagues.com.au/match/a-league-men/melbourne-victory-vs-sydney-16-12-2023/
  58. ↑ https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/12/16/big-blue-blowout-as-arzani-inspired-vuck-thrash-woeful-sydney-fc-to-climb-to-a-league-summit/
  59. 1 2 Williams, Paul (5 April 2018). "Carlos Queiroz keeping eye on wonderkid Daniel Arzani". Fox Sports Asia. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  60. ↑ Lynch, Michael (5 February 2018). "Arzani would jump at chance to be part of Socceroos squad if called up". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  61. ↑ "Arzani facing crucial six months: Arnold". 4 October 2019.
  62. ↑ "Celtic's Arzani eyes Olyroos return in Tokyo". 20 January 2020.
  63. ↑ "Watch: Australia U23 v Mexico U23 - Marbella Friendly Match". 12 June 2021.
  64. ↑ "Arzani scores brace as Australia U23's suffer tough defeat to Mexico". 13 June 2021.
  65. ↑ "Olyroo Profile: Ambitious Arzani ready to inject X-Factor at the Games". 29 June 2021.
  66. ↑ "Football - Argentina vs Australia - Group C Results". Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  67. ↑ "Football - ARZANI Daniel". Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  68. ↑ Francis, Kieran (7 May 2018). "Socceroos World Cup squad: Daniel Arzani named in Australia's 32-man list of players for Russia". Goal.com. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  69. ↑ "Australia warm up for World Cup with record-breaking rout of Czech Republic". The Guardian. 1 June 2018.
  70. ↑ McKay, Ben (2 June 2018). "Socceroos World Cup squad makes history". News.com.au. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  71. ↑ "Socceroo Arzani the World Cup's youngest - The World Game". Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  72. ↑ "World Cup warm-up match: Hungary 1-2 Australia". BBC Sport. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  73. ↑ Bossi, Dominic (16 June 2018). "Australia first to fall to VAR in brave loss to France". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  74. ↑ Atkinson, Guy (16 June 2018). "France 2 Australia 1: Historic Griezmann goal and Pogba secure slender win". Goal.com.
  75. ↑ FIFA.com. "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - Players - Daniel ARZANI - Daniel Arzani". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018.
  76. ↑ "Ultimate Guide: Get to know your 27-man September Socceroos squad". 28 August 2021.
  77. ↑ "FIFA 18 World Cup update: Daniel Arzani handed new Socceroos player rating - Goal.com". Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  78. ↑ "Daniel Arzani - Player Statistics". SportsTG. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  79. ↑ "Socceroos rising star chose football over neurosurgery — now football is choosing him". ABC News. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  80. ↑ headspaceAustralia. "headcoach - Daniel Arzani" – via YouTube.
  81. ↑ "St Spyridon College Newsletter, 6th May 2011".
  82. ↑ "High Notes, Vol 15 No 26, August 22 2014 - Sydney Boys High School". sydneyboyshigh.com. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  83. ↑ "Kilkenny wins top City gong". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  84. ↑ Bossi, Dominic (13 June 2018). "Arzani sticks by Nike despite the company withdrawing boots to Iran". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  85. ↑ "Daniel Arzani". Football Federation Victoria. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  86. ↑ "Daniel Arzani". Football Federation Victoria. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  87. ↑ Daniel Arzani at National-Football-Teams.com
  88. ↑ "City crowned NYL champions". The World Game. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
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