Italy-Born Circati Picks Australia, Dad Couldn't Be Prouder

Alessandro Circati captains Australia's national soccer team at just 22 years old, but his family back in Italy didn't understand his choice at first.

Born in Italy, Circati moved to Perth when he was only 16 months old after his father Gianfranco signed with Perth Glory. Two decades later, Alessandro is representing Australia on soccer's biggest stage, the World Cup.

"At the start, they didn't understand his decision to play for Australia," Gianfranco said of his Italian relatives. "But after talking to him, they realised that now, deep down, he's not Italian."

The young defender has become a cornerstone of coach Tony Popovic's defense, earning attention from major European clubs. Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid and England's Newcastle United have both shown interest in signing him after watching his World Cup performances.

His father remains grounded about the transfer rumors, keeping focus on the tournament ahead. "The rumours are there today, tomorrow maybe they can disappear," Gianfranco said.

Alessandro bounced back from an ACL injury in 2024 that derailed earlier transfer opportunities. Now he's proving his talent on the sport's grandest stage while playing for his adopted home country.

Sunny's Take

Gianfranco spent his career playing in Italy's second and third divisions, never quite reaching the elite level. Now he gets to experience the pinnacle of soccer through his son's journey.

"If you play a World Cup, I think it means you are being selected to be the best of your country," he said. "It's the dream of every soccer player, so I couldn't do it. I wasn't good enough. I tried to live that dream through my son."

The elder Circati takes extra pleasure in watching Alessandro thrive, seeing it as the peak achievement he always chased but never reached himself. His Italian relatives have come around too, now cheering for the Socceroos alongside their nephew who grew up thousands of miles from where he was born.

For Alessandro, the armband he wears for Australia represents more than just leadership on the field.