#19 Athlete Marco Rojas - "The Kiwi Messi"

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Today, I welcome Welling Phoenix AND Melbourne Victory Legend, Marco Rojas.

Marco is a fan favourite of two rival clubs, which isn’t an easy feat. We chart his football journey, where various overseas challenges are interspersed by returning back to the Australian A league.

Having also represented New Zealand at international level over 45 times, Marco has many insights to share about taking the gradual steps and the leap of faith required to make it to the top.

Ok, let's go.

Athlete:

• Waikato FC & Hamilton Wanderers, NZ National League
• Wynrs Football Academy, Hamilton.
• Wellington Phoenix, Australia A League (2009-2011)
• Melbourne Victory, Australia A League (2011-2013)
  • Johnny Warren Medal (2012/23)
  • A League Young Footballer of the year (2012/13)
• Vfb Stuttgart (2013-2016)
  • Various loans throughout Germany 
• Melbourne Victory, Australia A League (2016/2017)
• Heerenveen, Dutch Eriodivse (2017 – 2019)
• SonderjskE, Danish Superliga (2019 – 2020)
• Melbourne Victory, Australia A League (2020-2022)
  • FFA Cup winner 2020
• Colo-Colo, Chile Premera Division (2022-2023)
  • Copa Chile Cup Winners 2023
• Brisbane Roar, Australia A League (2023/24)
• Wellington Phoenix (2024 – current)
• NZ Football 
• FIFA U20 World Cup in Columbia (2011)
• All Whites (2011 – present)
  • 45 caps, 5 goals
  • Olympic Games 2012
  • Oceania Footballer of the Year 2012

Chapters -

1.45 Gareth & Marco’s connection story

4.15 Humble beginnings in the Waikato 

7.00 The role & influence that dad played in Marco's journey

14.45 The Yellow Fever Scholarship 

19.00 Trials….

30.45 The first pro contract

36.40 The move to Melbourne Victory

43.20 Marco taking on Europe

48.00 Traits of great managers

52.00 Representing the National Team

57.30 Quick Fire Questions 

Chapters

• 7:00 The role & influence that dad played in Marcos journey
• 14:45 The Yellow Fever Scholarship
• 19:00 A look at Trials
• 30:45 The first pro contract
• 36:40 The move to Melbourne Victory
• 43:20 Marco taking on Europe
• 48:00 Traits of great managers
• 52:00 Representing the National Team
• 57:30 Quick Fire Questions