36 Facts About Mark Bresciano

Mark Bresciano had a long career for Australia, making 84 appearances and scoring 13 goals.

Mark Bresciano played in three FIFA World Cups, two AFC Asian Cups and the 2004 OFC Nations Cup winning team.

Mark Bresciano previously represented Australia frequently at youth levels, including the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia and the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Mark Bresciano began playing football locally and later progressed to the first team of Victorian Premier League side Bulleen Lions in 1995 at the age of 15.

Mark Bresciano made little impact until his third year in the first team, scoring four goals in four league games and helping Bulleen to the 1997 VPL grand final.

Mark Bresciano's reputation began to grow and he was selected in an Australian Schoolboys squad that toured the United Kingdom in 1996.

Mark Bresciano then played every game for the rest of the year, as Carlton finished second with a place in the finals.

In 1998 and 1999, Mark Bresciano made a number of appearances for Australia in various matches at Under-20 and Under-23 level, including the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship, where the Young Socceroos were eliminated in the first round.

Mark Bresciano made a further five appearances that year for the "Socceroos," including another match against France in a friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, again replacing Skoko as a substitute.

Mark Bresciano had claimed a regular spot in the Socceroos line-up, justifying his selection with a string of goals, including a match-winning free-kick against New Zealand and the only goal in a one-nil victory against South Africa.

Mark Bresciano came on as a substitute in the second game against Brazil and, in the third Group Stage game, was instrumental in the 79th-minute goal scored by Harry Kewell against Croatia.

Against Italy, Mark Bresciano was judged to be in a scoring position in the 50th minute when fouled by Marco Materazzi, the Italian receiving a red card.

Shortly after the end of the World Cup, Mark Bresciano was signed by Palermo on a four-year contract, and made regular first team appearances in the Serie A and Europe.

Mark Bresciano was on the pitch on 2 February 2007, when violence broke out outside the stadium in the Catania-Palermo match.

Mark Bresciano was affected by tear gas as it drifted into the stadium and afterwards described the incident as "completely terrifying".

Mark Bresciano scored his ninth international goal against China in March 2007.

Mark Bresciano was substituted in the second half against Thailand and the quarter-final against Japan before the Socceroos' elimination on penalties.

Mark Bresciano returned to the national team in February 2008 for Australia's opening World Cup qualification match against Qatar, starting the match and scoring the Socceroos third goal.

Mark Bresciano played a full 90 minutes in the second group match away to China.

On return from Australia's Asian Cup exit, Mark Bresciano became a transfer target for Premier League club Manchester City.

Mark Bresciano came off the bench for their opening-day loss to Roma, and remained a regular selection under new manager Francesco Guidolin, although more commonly from the substitute bench.

On 3 July 2010, it was confirmed that Mark Bresciano had signed for Lazio on a two-year contract.

Mark Bresciano scored his first goal for Lazio in the Coppa Italia third round win over Serie B outfit Portogruaro on 27 October 2010.

On 6 August 2012, Mark Bresciano joined Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa on a three-year contract.

Mark Bresciano unilaterally breached the contract with Al-Nasr in order to finalize the transfer.

On 8 January, Mark Bresciano was cleared to play for the Socceroos in the 2014 World Cup.

Mark Bresciano was one of Australia's most talented footballers and had a renowned eye for goal.

Mark Bresciano usually played his football on the left side of midfield but could play as a forward, behind the strikers, and in a central or right midfield role.

Mark Bresciano was a versatile player who often assisted in both attack and defence and was a set-piece specialist.

Mark Bresciano was popular for his "Spartacus" goal celebration, that involves the player stopping in the position from where he shot from, clenching his fists by his side and raising his chin.

Mark Bresciano stands still, usually until mobbed by his teammates coming to celebrate the goal.

Mark Bresciano's father is Italian and his mother Croatian.

Mark Bresciano married his childhood sweetheart Renee Capitanio in May 2006 in Heidelberg, Melbourne, after proposing to her at the Romeo and Juliet House in Verona.

From October 2019 to April 2024, Mark Bresciano was on the board of Football Australia, the governing body for the sport in Australia.

In January 2024, it was reported that Mark Bresciano was part of a consortium to purchase Perth Glory with Pelligra Group.

The sale of the club to Pelligra Group was confirmed on 16 February 2024, however Mark Bresciano's involvement is yet to be determined as he remained on the Football Australia board.