17 Facts About Thomas Deng

Thomas Jok Deng was born on 20 March 1997 and is a professional soccer player who plays as a central defender for J1 League club Yokohama F Marinos.

Thomas Jok Deng was born 20 March 1997 into a family of South Sudanese refugees in Nairobi, Kenya.

Thomas Deng's father remained in Kenya to serve as a doctor with Save the Children, and passed away in 2007.

Thomas Deng made his senior football debut as a 16 year old in 2013 at Western Eagles under then-manager Srecko Baresic-Nikic in the Victorian State League Division 3.

Thomas Deng was eventually promoted to the senior team and made 13 first team appearances in the NPL Victoria in 2014.

Thomas Deng debuted for the senior team for Melbourne Victory against Balmain Tigers in the 2015 FFA Cup.

Thomas Deng made his A-League debut on 9 October 2015 against Adelaide United, as a substitute replacing Fahid Ben Khalfallah after a red card was shown to Leigh Broxham.

Thomas Deng made his starting debut in the A-League for Melbourne Victory on 17 October 2015 in round 2 against town rivals, Melbourne City, where he was selected as Man of the Match by supporters and social media.

In June 2016, Thomas Deng moved to Jong PSV on a one-year loan deal.

On 28 January 2020, Thomas Deng left Melbourne Victory to join Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds following his wonderful performance at the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship.

On 9 January 2022, Thomas Deng moved to J2 League club Albirex Niigata.

On 6 January 2024, Thomas Deng's contract was extended for the 2024 season.

In January 2025, Deng left Albirex Niigata to join fellow J1 League club, Yokohama F Marinos.

Thomas Deng was part of the main squad of the Olyroos at the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship and put on an extremely impressive display throughout the tournament, garnering high praise from respected Australian pundits: Geoff Fullgrabe, Alan Vucenik, and Craig Foster.

In October 2018, Thomas Deng was named in the Socceroos squad for their training camp in the UAE and their friendly against Kuwait.

Thomas Deng was included in the Australian squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup but did not play a single match at both tournament.

Thomas Deng has played in the African Nations Cup of South Australia.