Marlee Francois Explained

Marlee Francois
Fullname:Marlee Jean Francois
Birth Date:29 December 2002
Birth Place:Sydney, Australia
Position:Midfielder
Youthclubs1:Camden Tigers
Youthyears2:2013–2019
Youthclubs2:Fulham
Youthyears3:2019–2021
Youthclubs3:Bristol City
Years1:2021–2024
Clubs1:Bristol City
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2021
Clubs2:Bath City (loan)
Caps2:4
Goals2:0
Nationalyears1:2021–2023
Nationalteam1:Australia U23
Nationalcaps1:6
Nationalgoals1:1
Club-Update:17:30 2 July 2023 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:12:30 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Marlee Francois (born 29 December 2002) is an Australian professional footballer who last played as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Bristol City.

Early life

Francois was born and raised in Campbelltown, New South Wales, to a Mauritian father and an English mother.[1] His family moved to England in 2013 after he and his brother, Tyrese Francois, signed for Fulham Academy. Francois left Fulham in February 2019 to join Bristol City.[2] [3]

Club career

Bristol City

Francois signed a professional contract with Bristol City in March 2021.[4] On 20 July 2021, Francois scored against Bristol City in a friendly match for Portsmouth after he was granted permission to feature for the opposition due to the low numbers in Portsmouth's match squad. It was dubbed the "Shortest loan in history."[5] The next month Francois joined Bath City F.C. on a short-term loan.[6]

Francois signed a two-year contract extension with the option of a further year with Bristol City in August 2022.[7] After 14-months sidelined with injury, Francois made his first-team debut, appearing as a substitute, in a FA Cup tie against West Brom on 28 January 2023.[8] He was released by Bristol City at the end of the 2023–24 season.[9]

International career

Francois is eligible to represent England, Australia or Mauritius.[10] He made his debut for the Australian under-23 team as a substitute on 2 June 2021 against Ireland under-21s.[11] He scored his only goal for Australia U-23s in June 2023 against Mexico U-23s.[12]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bristol City2021–22Championship00000000
2022–23Championship00200020
Total00200020
Bath City (loan)2021–22[13] National League South40000040
Career total4020000060

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lewis . Dave . Brotherly shove: Aussie siblings Tyrese, Marlee battling for Olympic call-ups . SBS Sport . 21 February 2024 . en . 10 March 2021.
  2. Web site: Davidson . John . Meet the Aussie teen brothers wanted by European clubs . SBS Sport . 21 February 2024 . en . 12 February 2019.
  3. Web site: Thomas . Josh . Tyrese and Marlee Francois: The Australian brothers making waves in England Sporting News Australia . Sporting News . 21 February 2024 . en-au . 5 March 2021.
  4. Web site: Francois signs new deal. BCFC.co.uk.
  5. Web site: 'Shortest loan in history?' - Aussie youngster Marlee Francois scores bizarre equaliser after pre-game club swap. Sporting News.
  6. Web site: FRANCOIS COMPLETES LOAN MOVE TO TWERTON PARK. BCFC.co.uk.
  7. Web site: Bristol City youngster eyes first-team breakthrough after penning two-year contract extension. Bristol Post.
  8. Web site: Lewis . Dave . 'It was unreal': Aussie kid's taste of high life against Manchester City . FTBL . 21 February 2024 . en . 3 March 2023.
  9. Web site: Tristan. Cork. 11 May 2024. 11 May 2024. Bristol City release midfielder Matty James as retained list published . Bristol Post.
  10. Web site: Brotherly shove: Aussie siblings Tyrese, Marlee battling for Olympic call-ups. sbs.com.au.
  11. Web site: OLYROOS PLAYER RATINGS VS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U/21. ftbl.com.au.
  12. Web site: Australia shock Mexico to seal Maurice Revello Tournament semifinal berth. espn. 3 July 2023. Joey. Lynch. 13 June 2023.
  13. Web site: M. Francois: Summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 28 January 2023 .