Rhys Bozinovski

Rhys Bozinovski
Personal information
Date of birth (2004-03-07) 7 March 2004 (age 22)
Place of birth Australia
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position Defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team
Heracles Almelo
Number 20
Youth career
Spring Hills Stallions
2016–2017 Sunshine George Cross
2018–2021 Melbourne City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021–2022 Western United NPL 18 (4)
2022–2025 Western United 54 (5)
2025–2026 Perth Glory 14 (0)
2026– Heracles Almelo 0 (0)
International career
2022 Australia U20 1 (0)
2025– Australia U23 5 (1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 4 February 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 10 September 2025

Rhys Bozinovski (Macedonian: Рис Божиновски, romanizedRis Božinovski, pronounced [bɔʒiˈnɔvski];[1] born 7 March 2004) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for Dutch Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo.

Club career

Western United

On 5 August 2021, Western United announced the signing of Bozinovski to a two-year scholarship contract, initially adding him to Western United's NPL squad.[2][3] Prior to joining Western United, Bozinovski had gained experience playing with Melbourne City and Sunshine George Cross at the NPL youth level.[4] Bozinovski quickly established himself as a key player in the club's NPL 1st Grade squad, utilizing his creativity and scoring ability from midfield.[5]

His impressive performances would help him into the first team and, not long after, make his professional club debut in the A-League against Adelaide United, on 8 May 2022, coming on as a stoppage time substitute.[6] He would make three further appearances in A-League Finals series, mostly coming off the bench late in the game.[7]

Ahead of the 2022–23 season, on 13 November 2022, he earned his first start, winning 2–3 away against Wellington Phoenix.[8] On 6 December, Bozinovski extended his scholarship contract for a further two years.[9][10]

Following the suspension of Western United's participation ahead of the 2025–26 season, all players – including Bozinovski – were released from their contracts in September 2025.[11][12]

Perth Glory

On 19 September 2025, Perth Glory announced the signing of Bozinovski on a two-year deal.[13]

Heracles Almelo

On 3 February 2026, Heracles Almelo annonced the signing of Bozinovski on a deal until 2029.[14]

Personal life

His grandfather is former Malta captain Willie Vassallo. He is of Macedonian and Maltese descent.[4]

References

  1. ^ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP2yE8NichF/?igsh=MWpyaTRldGp2ZDdsMw==
  2. ^ "Rhys Bozinovski puts pen to paper on scholarship contract". Western United. KEEPUP. 5 August 2021.
  3. ^ Hughes, Nicholas (10 March 2022). "Western United announces NPL squad for 2022 season". Western United.
  4. ^ a b "Bozinovski signs with United". Brimbank & North West. 28 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Western United's next generation: Rhys Bozinovski and Jerry Skotadis". KEEPUP. Western United. 13 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Adelaide United vs. Western United - Football Match Summary - May 8, 2022 - ESPN". ESPN. 8 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Rhys Bozinovski (Midfielder, Western United)". Ultimate A-League.
  8. ^ "Wellington Phoenix vs Western United. Round 6, 2022-23". Ultimate A-League. 13 November 2022.
  9. ^ Hughes, Nicholas (6 December 2022). "Rhys Bozinovski pens new two-year extension at Western United". Western United.
  10. ^ "Bozinovski re-signs for United". Brimbank & North West. 8 December 2022.
  11. ^ "APL statement: An update on Western United Football Club". A-Leagues. 6 September 2025. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  12. ^ Monteverde, Marco (8 September 2025). "United contracts terminated". news.com.au. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  13. ^ Morgan, Gareth (19 September 2025). "Glory swoop to sign rising midfield star on two-year deal". Perth Glory. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  14. ^ "Heracles Almelo legt Rhys Bozinovski vast". Heracles Almelo (in Dutch). 3 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.