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

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Early career

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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

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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

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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

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

References

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  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 Portuguese). AFA TV. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Vídeo de golo de craque de jogador do Oliveira do Hospital faz furor na net" (in Portuguese). CM. 6 February 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  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.
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