Mark Bresciano

2.1. Childhood and Local Football

Bresciano grew up in Rosanna, Melbourne, where he began playing football at a young age. By 1995, at the age of 15, he had progressed to the first team of the Victorian Premier League side Bulleen Lions. His impact grew significantly in his third year with the team, as he scored four goals in four league games, helping Bulleen reach the 1997 VPL grand final. During this period, Bresciano's burgeoning reputation led to his selection for an Australian Schoolboys squad that toured the United Kingdom in 1996. In 1997, he played a prominent role for the Australian U-17 team in their unsuccessful U17 World Cup qualifying campaign, where he scored five goals.

2.2. Australian Institute of Sport and NSL

After completing high school at Marcellin College at the end of the 1997 season, Bresciano was offered a place at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). There, he reunited with his childhood friend, Vince Grella, with whom he would share a mirroring career path in the coming years. Both Bresciano and Grella signed with the new National Soccer League (NSL) club Carlton for the 1997-98 season. Bresciano made his NSL debut in Round 17 and subsequently played every game for the remainder of the season, as Carlton finished second and secured a spot in the finals. He scored a goal in injury time during the elimination semi-final, propelling the club into its first grand final, which they ultimately lost 2-1. Bresciano continued with Carlton for the 1998-99 season, contributing four goals in 18 appearances, although the club finished outside the top six that year. During 1998 and 1999, Bresciano also frequently represented Australia at various youth levels, including the Under-20 and Under-23 teams, and participated in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship where the Young Socceroos were eliminated in the first round.

3.1. Empoli

In 1999, seeking to further develop his game, Bresciano moved to Italy, a move partly motivated by his Italian heritage. He joined Empoli, a club that had recently been relegated to Serie B, along with his friend Vince Grella. Bresciano quickly established himself as a regular in the first team. In his third season with Empoli (2001-02), he was instrumental in the club's success, scoring 10 goals. His contributions helped Empoli secure a fourth-place finish in Serie B, earning them promotion back to the top-flight Serie A. This period marked a significant step in his professional development, fulfilling his childhood ambition to play in Italy. He once stated, "As a little kid I always wanted to play in Italy. Now that I am there I want to stay there and be the most successful Australian ever to play in Italy."

3.2. Parma

In the summer of 2002, Bresciano transferred to Parma for a fee of 7.00 M EUR, which at the time was a record transfer fee for an Australian player. His move to Parma represented a significant step up, bringing increased pressure and scrutiny due to the club's stature, facilities, and popularity. Despite being hampered by a series of injuries, Bresciano made 24 appearances in the 2002-03 season, helping Parma finish fifth in Serie A and secure a place in the 2003-04 UEFA Cup. He was later reunited with Grella, who also transferred to Parma after Empoli's relegation. In the 2003-04 season, Bresciano surpassed his personal target of five goals, scoring eight goals from 33 appearances, making him the highest-scoring midfielder in Serie A. Parma again finished fifth, qualifying for the UEFA Cup, where they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners CSKA Moscow. Despite their European success, Parma's league form in 2004-05 saw them finish 18th, forcing them into a play-off to avoid relegation. Bresciano and Grella were excused from the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup by then-Australian manager Frank Farina to participate in the crucial play-off against Bologna, which Parma won, ensuring their Serie A status. In the 2005-06 season, Parma experienced a strong recovery, finishing 10th (later elevated to seventh and a UEFA Cup spot due to the Calciopoli scandal). Bresciano attributed this resurgence to the team physically finding their form, becoming mentally tougher through the experience.

3.3. Palermo

Following the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Bresciano signed a four-year contract with Palermo, where he continued to make regular first-team appearances in Serie A and European competitions throughout the 2006-07 season. In October 2006, Bresciano scored what was widely regarded, even by Socceroos Assistant Coach John Kosmina, as one of the greatest goals ever scored for Australia in an international match. During an Asian Cup qualification game against Bahrain, he swiftly reacted to a cross-field pass, turning his body horizontally to strike the ball on the volley into the net. This goal drew comparisons to his first goal for Palermo in Serie A, scored against Reggina just two months earlier. In February 2007, Bresciano was on the field during the violence that erupted outside the stadium during a match between Catania and Palermo. He was affected by tear gas that drifted into the stadium, describing the incident as "completely terrifying." He scored his ninth international goal against China in March 2007. A hamstring injury in May caused him to miss Palermo's final match and a friendly against Uruguay, affecting his preparations for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. However, he recovered in time for a warm-up match against Singapore and played in Australia's first two Asian Cup matches, contributing to the team's efforts despite their eventual elimination.

Upon his return from Australia's Asian Cup campaign, Bresciano became a transfer target for Premier League club Manchester City. A deal was reportedly agreed upon for 5.00 M GBP, and Bresciano even began training with the City squad, expressing his desire for a new challenge in England. However, the transfer talks ultimately broke down due to issues concerning the timing of the transfer fee payment. Bresciano subsequently returned to Palermo, where he continued to be a regular, often coming off the substitute bench. In the 2008-09 season, he scored a goal in Palermo's opening match against Udinese and later re-established himself in the starting lineup under new head coach Davide Ballardini, playing as both a winger and a deep-lying forward. He scored both goals in a 2-0 away win against Sampdoria in January 2009.

3.4. Lazio

On July 3, 2010, Bresciano officially signed a two-year contract with S.S. Lazio in Serie A. He scored his first goal for Lazio in a Coppa Italia third-round victory over Serie B side Portogruaro on October 27, 2010.

3.5. Career in the Middle East

After more than a decade in Italian football, Mark Bresciano transitioned to play in the Middle Eastern leagues for the final years of his professional career, a period marked by both new playing experiences and a notable transfer controversy.

4.1. Youth and Olympic Teams

Bresciano consistently represented Australia at youth levels. In 1997, he was a key player for the Australia U17 team, scoring five goals during their U17 World Cup qualifying campaign. He continued his progression with the Australia U20 team in 1998 and 1999, including participation in the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. He also featured prominently for the Australia U23 team (Olyroos) from 1998 to 2000, particularly in preparation for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He was included in the squad for the Sydney Olympics, though his playing time was limited to substitute appearances.

4.2. Senior National Team Debut

Bresciano's strong performances with the Olympic squad led to his call-up to the senior national team, the Socceroos. He earned his first cap for Australia on June 1, 2001, in a FIFA Confederations Cup match against France, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute. He made five more appearances for the Socceroos that year, including another match against France in a friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

4.3. FIFA World Cup Participations

Mark Bresciano played a significant role in Australia's qualification for and participation in three consecutive FIFA World Cups, marking a golden era for Australian football.
His most memorable international moment came on November 16, 2005, during the crucial 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off second leg against Uruguay. After losing the first leg, Bresciano scored the only goal in the second leg, leveling the aggregate score 1-1 after extra time. This sent the match to a dramatic penalty shootout, which Australia won, qualifying for their first World Cup in 32 years.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Bresciano featured in Australia's opening game against Japan, being substituted before Australia scored three goals to win 3-1. He came on as a substitute against Brazil in the second group game and was instrumental in the 79th-minute goal scored by Harry Kewell in the decisive group stage match against Croatia. The 2-2 draw secured Australia's progression to the second round. In the round of 16 against Italy, Bresciano was judged to be in a scoring position when fouled by Marco Materazzi, leading to Materazzi's red card. Despite the numerical advantage, Italy won with a last-minute penalty, eliminating the Socceroos. While his overall performance at the tournament was described as "solid without being spectacular," his role as a set-piece specialist was highlighted.

Bresciano also played a significant part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, scoring Australia's third goal in their opening match against Qatar in February 2008 and another against Bahrain in November 2008. He continued to be a key player through the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, where he scored against Jordan in June 2013, ensuring Australia's direct qualification. He participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup as well, contributing to Australia's presence on the global stage.

4.4. AFC Asian Cup Participations

Bresciano was a consistent presence for Australia in the AFC Asian Cup tournaments. In the lead-up to the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, he scored his ninth international goal against China in March 2007. Despite a hamstring injury affecting his preparations, he recovered to play in Australia's first two Asian Cup matches and featured in the quarter-final against Japan, where Australia was eliminated on penalties. His performance against Japan was noted as his best in the tournament. He also represented Australia in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, where the team finished as runners-up. His final major international tournament was the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Australia, where he was part of the victorious squad that lifted the trophy, a fitting end to his international career.

5.1. Playing Style and Attributes

Bresciano was considered one of Australia's most talented footballers, possessing a keen eye for goal. While primarily playing on the left side of midfield, he was a versatile player capable of operating in various roles across the midfield, including central or right midfield, and also as a forward or a deep-lying forward positioned behind the main strikers. His attributes included an ability to contribute significantly in both attack and defense. He was particularly renowned as a set-piece specialist, a skill that often resulted in crucial goals and assists for his teams.

5.2. Goal Celebration

Beyond his on-field skills, Bresciano was popular for his unique "Spartacus" goal celebration. After scoring, he would stop in the exact position from which he took the shot, clenching his fists by his sides and raising his chin. He would hold this pose, standing still, until his teammates arrived to celebrate with him. This distinctive and iconic celebration became a signature part of his identity for fans.

6.1. Name and Background

Contrary to frequent reporting, Bresciano's correct first name is Mark, not "Marco." He clarified this in a TV documentary, stating that while he was named after his grandfather Marco, he prefers to be called Mark. His birth certificate also confirms "Mark." This distinction highlights his unique identity bridging Australian and European influences. Bresciano's father is Italian, originating from Viggiano, Basilicata, while his mother is Croatian, from Antonci in Istria, reflecting his diverse European heritage.

6.2. Family

Mark Bresciano married his childhood sweetheart, Renée Capitanio, in May 2006 in Heidelberg, Melbourne. He had proposed to her at the romantic Romeo and Juliet House in Verona, Italy. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Alessia, in February 2007. In May 2009, they had their second daughter, Montana. His younger brother, Robert Bresciano, also pursued a football career, playing for Fawkner Blues in the Victorian Premier League.

7.1. Football Australia Board Role

From October 2019 to April 2024, Bresciano served on the board of Football Australia, the governing body for soccer in Australia. His tenure on the board allowed him to contribute to the strategic direction and development of the sport at a national level, leveraging his extensive experience as a player. In April 2024, he resigned from the main board but continued his involvement by remaining on the Football Development Committee, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to shaping the future of Australian football.

7.2. Perth Glory Acquisition Attempt

In January 2024, reports emerged that Mark Bresciano was part of a consortium, led by the Pelligra Group, attempting to purchase Perth Glory FC, an A-League club. This indicated his interest in transitioning from playing and national governance into club-level management or ownership. The sale of Perth Glory to the Pelligra Group was confirmed on February 16, 2024. However, Bresciano's precise involvement in the club's new ownership structure remained to be fully determined at that time, given his concurrent position on the Football Australia board.

9.1. Club Statistics

Cup includes domestic cups, promotion/relegation playoffs and NSL/VPL Finals series

9.2. International Statistics