Defender Thomas Deng

  • Height 178cm
  • D.O.B. 20/3/97
  • Born Nairobi
Jersey Number
2

Biography

Debut: 16/10/2018 v Kuwait

Socceroos Cap Number: 598

Major tournaments: FIFA World Cup 2022

Current Club: Albirex Niigata

Thomas Deng was born in Nairobi, Kenya. At the age of six, Deng and his four older siblings, and mother fled the Sudanese conflict. His family were granted refugee status in Australia and settled in WA.

He was around seven-years-old when he started playing football, and had followed his brother into the sport. His brother is also a talent in the game, and has represented South Sudan on the international stage.

In 2011 Deng moved to Victoria to further his football. It wasn’t long before he was playing for Melbourne Victory's U21’s side and in 2015 he was elevated up into the senior squad.

Deng made his A-League debut against Melbourne City during Round 2 of the Melbourne Derby in 2015/16. Shortly after this Deng went on loan for the 2016 season to PSV U21s in Holland, returning to Melbourne Victory in 2017.

As he progressed in the Australian Olyroos, his defensive brilliance and leadership not only cemented his status in the team, but also his role as captain.

In October 2018, Deng made his Socceroos debut in Kuwait City alongside fellow Sudanese refugee and school-friend Awer Mabil. This was a big moment for the two Aussies and their success was seen as an homage to the broader refugee community.

Deng bid farewell to Melbourne Victory and moved to the J1 League in 2020 signing with Urawa Red Diamonds. He also made his debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021 and the following year with Albirex Niigata, helping the club secure promotion to the Japanese top-flight. Deng earned his second senior international cap against New Zealand in Auckland, almost four years from his maiden appearance. He was named in Australia's final 26-player squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but did not feature in any of the matches.

International Friendly 2022/2023

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