# Ned Zelic > Australian association football player **Wikidata**: [Q672558](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q672558) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Zelic) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ned-zelic ## Summary Ned Zelic (born 4 July 1971) is a former Australian association football player who had a professional career spanning from 1989 to 2008. He is best known for his appearances in the Australian national team (the Socceroos) and various clubs in Australia and internationally. Zelic played as a defender and represented Australia at the international level, earning caps during his career. He is recognized as one of the notable Australian footballers who contributed to the development of the sport in Australia during the late 20th century. ## Biography - **Born**: 4 July 1971 - **Nationality**: Australian - **Full Name**: Nedijeljko Zelic - **Education**: Not specified in available source material - **Known for**: Professional association football career as a defender for Australian national team and various clubs - **Employer(s)**: Not fully specified in available source material; career spanned from 1989 to 2008 - **Field(s)**: Association Football (Soccer) ## Contributions Ned Zelic's contributions to Australian football include: - **International Career**: Represented the Australian national team (Socceroos) during his playing career - **Professional Club Career**: Played from 1989 to 2008, accumulating significant professional experience - **Defensive Role**: Primarily played as a defender throughout his career - **Physical Presence**: Standing at 186 cm tall with a weight of 82 kg, brought physical attributes to his defensive position ## FAQs **What is Ned Zelic known for?** Ned Zelic is known for being a former Australian association football player who represented the Socceroos (Australian national football team) as a defender during his professional career from 1989 to 2008. **How old is Ned Zelic?** Ned Zelic was born on 4 July 1971, making him born in the early 1970s. **What position did Ned Zelic play?** Ned Zelic played as a defender throughout his professional football career. **What clubs did Ned Zelic play for?** While specific club details are not fully enumerated in the source material, Zelic had a professional career spanning approximately 19 years from 1989 to 2008, indicating multiple club affiliations during his football career. **What is Ned Zelic's nationality?** Ned Zelic is Australian by nationality (citizenship: Australia, Q408). **What are Ned Zelic's physical measurements?** Ned Zelic stands at 186 cm tall and weighs 82 kg. ## Why They Matter Ned Zelic matters in the context of Australian football history as part of the generation of players who helped establish and develop the sport at the professional level in Australia. His career from 1989 to 2008 places him during a significant period in Australian football development, preceding the country's involvement in major international competitions and the growth of the A-League. As an Australian-born player who pursued a professional football career, Zelic represents the pool of talent that helped build the foundation for Australia's contemporary football infrastructure. His representation of the Socceroos contributed to the national team's history and helped inspire future generations of Australian footballers. ## Notable For - **Long Professional Career**: 19-year playing career from 1989 to 2008 - **International Representation**: Caps earned for the Australian national team (Socceroos) - **Physical Attributes**: 186 cm height, 82 kg weight - **Digital Presence**: Multiple online identifiers across various platforms including Twitter (@NedZelic), and player profiles on football databases - **Australian Football Heritage**: Part of the pre-A-League era of Australian football development ## Body ### Early Life and Background Ned Zelic, born Nedijeljko Zelic on 4 July 1971, grew up in Australia with Croatian heritage, as suggested by his given name. His upbringing in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s coincided with a period of growth for association football in the country, though the sport competed with Australian Rules football and rugby league for popularity. Zelic developed his football skills during his youth, eventually pursuing football as a professional career at a time when opportunities for Australian players to play abroad were limited but growing. ### Professional Career Zelic began his professional football career in 1989, embarking on what would become a 19-year journey in the sport. His career spanned the late 1980s through the 2000s, a transformative period for Australian football that included the formation of the National Soccer League and increased opportunities for Australian players internationally. As a defender, Zelic was known for his physical presence on the field, standing at 186 centimeters and weighing 82 kilograms. These attributes served him well in the defensive role, where he was tasked with marking opposing forwards, winning aerial duels, and organizing the back line. ### International Career Zelic represented Australia at the international level, earning caps for the Socceroos. His international career contributed to the national team's development during a period when Australia was working to establish itself more prominently in Asian football and qualify for major international tournaments. The experience gained through international matches provided Zelic with valuable exposure to different playing styles and competitive environments. ### Digital and Statistical Profile Ned Zelic maintains a presence across various digital platforms and football databases. His player identification numbers include: - FIFA player ID: 573 - Transfermarkt ID: 61042 - WorldFootball ID: 4240b370 - National Football Teams ID: 7859 - RSSSF archive ID: 4645 His career statistics include appearances and goals recorded in various competitions, with his player profile indicating participation in matches at both club and international levels. ### Legacy and Influence Zelic's career represents the pathway for Australian footballers during the pre-A-League era. His 19-year professional career demonstrates the longevity possible for dedicated footballers in Australia and contributes to the historical record of Australian football development. As one of the players who represented the Socceroos during this period, he helped build the foundation upon which Australia's contemporary football success has been built. The Australian football landscape has changed dramatically since Zelic's retirement in 2008, with the establishment of the A-League, increased investment in youth development, and Australia's successful qualification for multiple World Cups. Players like Zelic who maintained professional careers through the earlier decades helped establish the institutional knowledge and playing culture that contributed to these developments. ## References 1. Transfermarkt 2. FBref 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013