Aziz Behich is a name that resonates with Australian soccer fans for his relentless energy and leadership on the field.
The veteran defender continues to ply his trade as the captain of Melbourne City FC, having built an impressive career that spans across Europe, Asia, and the A-League.
In this article, you will know Aziz Behich’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Aziz Behich’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aziz Eraltay Behich |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1990 |
| Age | 35 |
| Nationality | Australian / Turkish |
| Birth Place | Melbourne, Australia |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | ~68 kg |
| Position | Left Back / Left Midfielder |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Current Team | Melbourne City FC |
| Net Worth | Est. $3 Million – $5 Million |
| Salary | Est. $500,000+ Annually (varies by contract) |
| Wife | Rosemarie Palumbo (Rose Behich) |
| @azizbehich |
Early Career
Aziz Behich grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne, where his passion for football was ignited at a young age.
Born to Turkish-Cypriot parents, he began his journey in the junior divisions of Green Gully SC. His talent was evident early on, leading him to train at the prestigious David Beckham Academy.
Unlike many defenders, Behich actually started his career playing in more attacking roles, often featuring as a left winger during his developmental years.
His breakthrough into senior football came with Green Gully, where he made his first-team debut in 2008. His performances caught the eye of A-League scouts, leading to a brief stint with Melbourne Victory.
Although his initial time at Victory was limited to a handful of appearances, it set the stage for his move to Melbourne Heart (now Melbourne City), where he truly established himself as a professional.
Professional Career
Behich’s professional career is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. After shining at Melbourne Heart, he earned a move to Europe, signing with Turkish club Bursaspor in 2013.
Turkey became a second home for him; he spent several successful seasons there, becoming a fan favorite and earning a reputation as one of the most consistent left-backs in the league.
His impressive form in the Turkish Süper Lig eventually led to a high-profile transfer to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2018, where he added a layer of elite European experience to his resume.
However, the desire for regular football saw him return to Turkey, playing for Istanbul Basaksehir—where he won a historic league title—and later Kayserispor and Giresunspor.
He moved to Scotland to join Dundee United before making a triumphant return to Melbourne City in 2023.
A major highlight of his recent career was a shock loan move to Saudi powerhouse Al-Nassr in early 2024, where he played alongside global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, further boosting his international profile before returning to captain Melbourne City for the 2025/2026 season.
Wife
Aziz Behich is happily married to Rosemarie Palumbo, often known as Rose Behich. The couple met in Melbourne back in 2014 and have been inseparable since, with Rose following Aziz across the globe during his stints in Turkey, the Netherlands, and Scotland.
They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony, which Aziz proudly shared on social media, celebrating their union with close family and friends. Rose is known for her support of Aziz’s career and is frequently seen cheering him on at matches.
As of early 2026, public details regarding children are kept private, with the couple focusing on their life together and Aziz’s demanding football schedule.
Aziz Behich’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Aziz Behich has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million to $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through over a decade of playing in top-flight leagues in Turkey, the Netherlands, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
Contract
Behich is currently under contract with Melbourne City FC until June 30, 2027. He signed a two-year extension in August 2024, signaling his commitment to the club.
His previous short-term loan to Al-Nassr in 2024 was a lucrative deal, involving a reported €1.2 million loan fee, which likely included a significant wage packet for his services during that period.
Salary
While A-League salaries are generally capped, marquee players and senior Socceroos like Behich typically command the upper tier of wages. His annual earnings at Melbourne City are estimated to be in the range of $400,000 to $600,000 AUD.
During his peak years in Turkey and his brief stint in Saudi Arabia, his annual salary would have been significantly higher, likely exceeding €700,000 per season at certain points.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Melbourne City | ~$500,000 |
| 2023-2024 | Al-Nassr / Melb City | ~$1.5 Million (inc. loan bonuses) |
| 2022-2023 | Dundee United | ~$350,000 |
| 2020-2021 | Kayserispor | ~$800,000 |
| 2018-2019 | PSV Eindhoven | ~$900,000 |
Endorsements
Aziz Behich has maintained a long-standing partnership with global sportswear giant Nike, a relationship that has spanned the majority of his professional career.
He exclusively wears Nike Mercurial boots for both club and international fixtures, often featuring the brand in his social media content. As the captain of Melbourne City FC, Behich is also a central figure in the club’s commercial activities, representing key sponsors such as Etihad Airways and McDonald’s in promotional campaigns.
Additionally, his individual player sponsorship at Melbourne City for the 2025/2026 season is held by the Crawford Family, a common practice in the A-League where prominent families or local businesses directly sponsor senior players.
Career Stats
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-League Men | 150+ | 5+ | 15+ |
| Süper Lig (Turkey) | 180+ | 6 | 12 |
| Scottish Premiership | 30+ | 2 | 4 |
| AFC Champions League | 15+ | 1 | 2 |
| International (Australia) | 70+ | 2 | 5+ |
FAQs
1. Which team does Aziz Behich play?
He currently plays for Melbourne City FC in the A-League. He serves as the team’s captain and is contracted with the club until the end of the 2026/2027 season.
2. Did Aziz Behich play with Cristiano Ronaldo?
Yes, he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his loan spell at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League for the second half of the 2023-2024 season.
3. What is Aziz Behich’s ethnic background?
He is of Turkish-Cypriot heritage. His parents, Yasar and Cemaliye, migrated from Cyprus to Australia, where Aziz was born and raised.
4. Has Aziz Behich won any major trophies?
Yes, his most notable club achievement was winning the Turkish Süper Lig title with Istanbul Basaksehir in the 2019-2020 season, a historic first for the club.
5. How many World Cups has Aziz Behich played in?
He has represented the Australian national team, the Socceroos, in two FIFA World Cups: the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
