Marco Rojas

Marco Rojas
Rojas playing for New Zealand at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
Personal information
Full name Marco Rodrigo Rojas[1]
Date of birth (1991-11-05) 5 November 1991
Place of birth Hamilton, New Zealand
Height 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)[2]
Playing position Winger / Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 SC Heerenveen
Number 7
Youth career
Waikato
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2008 Hamilton Wanderers 10 (2)
2008–2009 Waikato 13 (1)
2009–2011 Wellington Phoenix 20 (2)
2011–2013 Melbourne Victory 48 (15)
2013–2016 VfB Stuttgart 0 (0)
2014–2015 → SpVgg Greuther Fürth (loan) 3 (0)
2015–2016 → FC Thun (loan) 37 (4)
2016–2017 Melbourne Victory 23 (12)
2017– SC Heerenveen 20 (3)
National team‡
2011 New Zealand U20 9 (4)
2012 New Zealand U23 6 (1)
2011– New Zealand 40 (5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 4 July 2018
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 24 March 2018

Marco Rodrigo Rojas (born 5 November 1991) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for the New Zealand national team who currently plays for SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. Fans have dubbed Rojas as 'The Kiwi Messi' during his stint at the A-League with Melbourne Victory FC.

Early life

Rojas attended Aberdeen Primary School and Maeroa Intermediate School during the late 1990s and early-mid-2000s. He is of Chilean descent.[3]

Club career

Wellington Phoenix

Marco Rojas came through Wynton Rufer's Wynrs football academy. He also trialled with Caleb Rufer at Werder Bremen, Hannover 96 and B Monchengladbach. Neither player was successful but later on Rojas was awarded a trial with the Wellington Phoenix after winning the "Retro Ricki Youth Scholarship" from the Yellow Fever. Rojas impressed Wellington coach Ricki Herbert and put in some good performances in the Phoenix's warm up friendlies resulting in him getting offered a 2-year contract with the A-League side.[4]

On 13 September 2009, he made his senior debut in the A-League for the Wellington Phoenix against Melbourne Victory at the age of 17, coming off the bench as a 77th minute substitution for Daniel[5] making him the second youngest player to play for the Phoenix behind Kosta Barbarouses. Rojas got his second appearance for the Phoenix when he was substituted on for Paul Ifill in the 73rd minute against Central Coast Mariners on 27 September 2009.[6]

Rojas scored his first goal on his full debut for the Phoenix on 18 December 2010 in a 4–0 victory over the Newcastle Jets. His second goal was in the 72nd minute on 5 January against Melbourne Victory helping them secure a 2–0 win at Westpac Stadium. Rojas provided the assist for Chris Greenacre's opening goal in a 3–1 win over North Queensland Fury in the Phoenix's final home game of the 2010–11 season.

On 18 February 2011, Rojas was awarded the NAB Young Player of the Month.[7] On 22 February 2011, he was awarded the Wellington Phoenix young player of the year.

On 27 February 2011, Wellington Phoenix announced that Rojas declined to sign a new contract with the club and wanted to move on.[8] Following this announcement, some media outlets claimed unofficially that Rojas had signed for Melbourne Victory,[9][10] however, officially, Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick denied this.[11] It was believed at the time that Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United and a South American club were vying for the signature of the highly rated youngster.[12][13]

Melbourne Victory

Rojas playing for the Victory in 2012

On 11 March 2011, Melbourne Victory ended weeks of speculation by officially confirming that they had indeed signed Rojas, securing him on a two-year deal.[14]

On 8 October 2011, Rojas made his debut for Melbourne Victory FC in the A-League season opener against Sydney FC.[15] It would not be until the following 2012–13 season, however, that he would score his first Melbourne Victory goal; it came in the Victory's 2–1 loss to crosstown rivals Melbourne Heart, after receiving a cross from Archie Thompson.[16][17] His second Melbourne Victory goal came in the Victory's 2–1 win against Adelaide United two weeks later.[18] Rojas scored goal number 15 for season 2012–13 on 31 March 2013 against Wellington Phoenix in a 2–3 win.[19][20]

At the A-League end of season awards for the 2012–13 season, Rojas won both the Johnny Warren Medal and the A-League Young Footballer of the Year awards.[21]

On 18 April 2013, Rojas quit Melbourne Victory to pursue a career in Europe. His contract with Melbourne expired on 30 April 2013.[22]

VfB Stuttgart

Marco Rojas training in 2014.

Rojas moved during the 2013–14 season to VfB Stuttgart. On 8 May 2013, Marco Rojas signed a contract until June 2017 with VfB Stuttgart. He joined the Bundesliga side on a free transfer from Melbourne Victory.[23]

On 10 July 2013, Marco started his first game for Die Schwaben in a pre-season friendly match against the local Hohenlohe-Selection at the Schönebürgstadion, Crailsheim. Marco scored his first goal for his new club in this game to give VfB a 4–0 lead just before half time, VfB went on to win the match 5–0.[24]

On 17 July 2013, Marco suffered an injury setback during training that sidelined the Kiwi international for between four and six weeks. Media sources revealed Rojas had broken a bone in his foot. Rojas however continued to swim, cycle and perform weight training but he was unable to continue football related activities until after the new 1. Bundesliga season began in early August.[25]

Loan to SpVgg Greuther Fürth

On 21 August 2014, Rojas was loaned out to SpVgg Greuther Fürth.[26] In January 2015 the loan deal was terminated.

Loan to FC Thun

He was loaned out to FC Thun on 3 January 2015 until the end of the 2014–15 season.[27] On 8 February 2015, Rojas scored his first Swiss Super League goal on debut for FC Thun in Thun's 1–1 draw with FC Aarau match.[28] On 12 June 2015, the loan deal was extended until the end of the 2015–16 season.[29]

Return to Melbourne Victory

On 25 August 2016, Rojas returned to the A-League with former club Melbourne Victory, signing a two-year deal.[30][31] His first goal on return was the sole goal for Victory in a disappointing Melbourne Derby clash. The following week, Rojas scored a match-winner at the last minute of stoppage time against Adelaide United. His performances in the first half of the season, have been voted by Mark Bosnich as the best the A-League has ever seen.

SC Heerenveen

In July 2017, Rojas joined Dutch club SC Heerenveen on a two-year contract with the option of a third year.[32]

International career

On 8 March 2011, Rojas was called up to play to a 30-man squad for the upcoming games against China and Japan for New Zealand's national team the All Whites. He made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 1–1 draw with China on 25 March 2011 before he made any appearance for any other junior New Zealand sides.[33] The scheduled match against Japan was called off due to logistics and safety concerns following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. He gained his 2nd International cap against Australia, 5 May 2011 he came on as a second-half substitute. Australia won the game 5–0

Rojas was selected for the New Zealand U-20 team to compete in the 2011 OFC U-20 Championship in April 2011 and the Suwon Cup in Korea. During the OFC U-20 championship he played in all four matches helping the Junior All Whites win the tournament and secure qualification to the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

During the junior All Whites game against Uruguay in the 2011 under-20 World Cup, Rojas contributed to the goal that put New Zealand in the lead at 54 minutes (the game finished in a 1–1 draw).[34]

Career statistics

Club

As of 8 May 2018[35]
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Hamilton Wanderers 2007–08 Northern League 102––––––102
Total 102000000102
Waikato 2008–09 Stirling Sports Premiership 131––––––131
Total 131000000131
Wellington Phoenix 2009–10 A-League 40––––0040
2010–11 162––––1[nb 1]0172
Total 202000010212
Melbourne Victory 2011–12 A-League 230––––––230
2012–13 2515––––2[nb 2]02715
Total 48150000205015
VfB Stuttgart II 2013–14 3.Liga 20––––––20
2016–17 Regionalliga Südwest 20––––––20
Total 4000000040
Greuther Fürth (loan) 2014–15 2.Bundesliga 30––––––30
Greuther Fürth II (loan) 2014–15 Regionalliga Bayern 41––––––41
Thun (loan) 2014–15 Super League 172––––––172
2015–16 2023061––293
Total 374306100465
Melbourne Victory 2016–17 A-League 2313––––2[nb 3]–2513
Total 23130000202513
Heerenveen 2017–18 Eredivisie 19320––––213
Total 193200000213
Career total 1814150615019742
Notes
  1. ↑ A-League finals
  2. ↑ A-League finals
  3. ↑ A-League finals

International

New Zealand national team[36]
YearAppsGoals
201120
2012111
201330
201430
201530
201673
2017101
201810
Total405

International goals

No.DateLocationOppositionScoreResultCompetition
1.11 September 2012North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Solomon Islands6–16–12014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2.7 October 2016Nissan Stadium, Nashville, United States Mexico1–11–2Friendly
3. 12 November 2016 QBE Stadium, Albany, New Zealand  New Caledonia
1–0
2–0
 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.
2–0
5.25 March 2017Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji Fiji2–02–0

Honours

Country

New Zealand

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "List of Players — 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup" (PDF). FIFA. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
  2. ↑ "Marco Rojas". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 27 April 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  3. ↑ "Marco Rojas, la sangre 'chilena' de Nueva Zelanda en el Mundial Sub-20". Univisión Noticias (in Spanish). 8 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  4. ↑ Woodcock, Fred (9 July 2009). "Teenager impresses Phoenix". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  5. ↑ Jeremy Ruane (14 September 2009). "Reigning Champions Hold Wellington To A Draw". SportsWeb Soccer. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  6. ↑ "Official Hyundai A-League | Home". A-league.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012.
  7. ↑ "Archived copy". Wellington Phoenix FC. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  8. ↑ "Official Hyundai A-League | Home". A-league.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 April 2011.
  9. ↑ "Victory snares Phoenix's Rojas". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. 28 February 2011.
  10. ↑ "Victory nab Phoenix youngster". Fox Sports. 27 February 2011.
  11. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 April 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  12. ↑ Rojas exit has fans livid
  13. ↑ Worthington, Sam (2 March 2011). "Phoenix star Marco Rojas 'still open to offers'". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  14. ↑ Victory secure Rojas signing Archived 3 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  15. ↑ http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory/news-display/Victory-take-tough-point/41616
  16. ↑ Melbourne Victory vs. Melbourne Heart – 5 October 2012 Soccerway
  17. ↑ Marco Rojas, Melbourne Victory – Videos Football Australia
  18. ↑ Melbourne Victory vs. Adelaide United – 19 October 2012 Soccerway
  19. ↑ Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne Victory – 31 March 2013 Soccerway
  20. ↑ Worthington, Sam (1 April 2013). "Wellington Phoenix season of woe is over". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  21. ↑ Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas wins Johnny Warren Medal for A-League Player of the Year
  22. ↑ Melbourne Victory confirms departure of star Marco Rojas to continue career in Europe Herald Sun
  23. ↑ "Marco Rojas signs for VfB". vfb.de. VfB Stuttgart. 8 May 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  24. ↑ "Brace, debut and own-goal". VfB Stuttgart. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  25. ↑ "Injury blow to new Stuttgart signing Rojas". bundesliga.com. 16 July 2013. Archived from the original on 17 July 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  26. ↑ "Marco Rojas released on loan". vfb.de. VfB Stuttgart. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  27. ↑ "Marco Rojas bound for Switzerland". vfb.de. VfB Stuttgart. 3 January 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  28. ↑ "Marco Rojas scores on FC Thun debut". 3news.co.nz. 3 News. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  29. ↑ http://www.fcthun.ch/de/News/Newsmeldung?newsid=1297
  30. ↑ "Marco Rojas returns to Melbourne Victory". Melbourne Victory. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  31. ↑ "Rojas signs for Melbourne Victory". Radio New Zealand. 25 August 2016.
  32. ↑ Voerman, Andrew (30 July 2017). "Rojas concludes move to Holland". Sunday News. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  33. ↑ Martin, Sean (26 March 2011). "All Whites draw with China in friendly". The Sunday Star-Times. NZPA. Archived from the original on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  34. ↑ "FIFA U-20 World Cup Columbia 2011 – New Zealand – Squad List". FIFA.com. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  35. ↑ "Marco Rojas » Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  36. ↑ "Marco Rojas". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman.
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