Kristian Trajceski (born 15 November 1998) is a Macedonian association football player, who currently plays for Avondale FC in the National Premier Leagues Victoria. He has represented the Republic of Macedonia at U-21s level.

Kristian Trajceski
Personal information
Full name Kristian Steve Trajceski
Date of birth (1998-11-15) 15 November 1998 (age 25)
Place of birth Wollert Australia[1]
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Attacking Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Avondale FC
Number 23
Youth career
Lalor United Sloga F.C
Epping City SC
Whittlesea Ranges FC
-2017 Hume City FC
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
-2017 Hume City FC 22 (1)
2017 Avondale FC
2017–2018 G.D. Gafanha 16 (3)
2018–2020 F.C. Oliveira do Hospital 46 (3)
2021- Avondale FC 77 (20)
International career
2018 Macedonia U-21s 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 July 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21 November 2023

Career

edit

Early career

edit

Trajceski broke through into the Hume City FC senior squad at just 17, having come through the ranks of a handful of local Victorian clubs.[1] Despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, he made 22 appearances in the league.[2] His performances earned him a spot in the PS4 Player Pathway Award, judged by former Socceroos players including John Kosmina, Ante Milicic, Robert Stanton and Craig Foster.[3] Trajceski would go on to win the award, earning him a 2-week trial with A-League Men club Sydney FC.[4][5]

Despite proving himself well at Sydney FC, and being offered a spot in the Academy and A-League Youth team,[6] Trajceski rejected the offer of his first professional contract, citing he had aspirations of playing professionally abroad in Europe.[7]

European ambitions

edit

To follow his aspirations of playing professionally in Europe, Trajceski moved to Portugal and signed with G.D. Gafanha in the Campeonato de Portugal[8] Following a successful season, in which he made sixteen appearances and earned a call up to the Macedonia U-21s, he moved to F.C. Oliveira do Hospital, alongside fellow Australian Danny Choi.[9][10]

Return to Australia

edit

After almost 4 years in Portugal, Trajceski returned to Australia, signing with his former club Avondale FC in the Victorian NPL[11][12] helping the club to win the Dockerty Cup later that season, and the 2023 National Premier Leagues Victoria Championship.

During the 2024 season, Trajceski broke his ankle badly in a match against Dandenong Thunder when former Central Coast Mariners player Jordan Smylie performed a dangerous Sliding tackle on Trajceski mid-way through the first half. The tackle earned Smylie a direct red card, and was later handed a 9-match suspension by Football Federation Victoria which was considered to be one of the heaviest suspensions in the leagues history.[13]

International career

edit

Whilst playing in Portugal, Trajeceski was called up to the Macedonia U-21s for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications.[8]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Mitchell, Tim (19 July 2016). "Hume City midfielder Kristian Trajceski makes an immediate mark in first full season at NPL level". Herald Sun. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  2. ^ Mitchell, Tim (9 February 2017). "Hume City rising star Kristian Trajceski ready for extra attention from NPL rivals". Herald Sun. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  3. ^ "The 24 young aspiring footballers aiming to win a Sydney FC Youth team contract". Fox Sports Australia. 16 September 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  4. ^ Stamocostas, Con (28 September 2016). "KRISTIAN TRIUMPHS IN PS4 PLAY-OFF". FTBL. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  5. ^ Peacock, Adam (29 September 2016). "PS4 Player Pathway Award: Kristian Trajceski wins trial with Sydney FC". Fox Sports Australia. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  6. ^ Stamocostas, Con (27 January 2017). "KRISTIAN: WHY I REJECTED SYDNEY FC". FTBL. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  7. ^ Stamocostas, Con (26 January 2017). "RISING STAR REJECTS SYDNEY FC". FTBL. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  8. ^ a b "BOA ÉPOCA DE KRISTIAN TRAJCESKI NO GAFANHA VALE CHAMADA AOS SUB-21 DA MACEDÓNIA" (in Portugese). AFA TV. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  9. ^ "Vídeo de golo de craque de jogador do Oliveira do Hospital faz furor na net" (in Portugese). CM. 6 February 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  10. ^ "Aussies Abroad Wrap Up" (PDF). Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  11. ^ Lynch, Joey [@joeylynchy] (15 February 2021). "Former Western Pride, Brisbane City, Brisbane Strikers and one-time Brisbane Roar injury replacement goalkeeper Bon Scott has signed with @AvondaleFC84 for the coming #NPLVIC season. I'm Thunderstruck" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  12. ^ Avondale FC [@AvondaleFC84] (15 February 2021). "SQUAD BOOST // The time to announce our new squad members has finally arrived. Say hello to Bon Scott and Kristian Trajceski. We look forward to seeing them in action for the 2021 @nplvictoria season!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ^ "Huge ban for horror tackle, Kasumovic magic". Herald Sun. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
edit