Mario Bilen is one of Auckland City FC’s most versatile midfielders and came to the Navy Blues seeking a new challenge after playing out a lengthy professional footballing career in Croatia.

Spending his 2018 winter footballing season with Lotto NRFL Men’s Premier Division side, Bay Olympic AFC, Bilen is hoping to kick on with Auckland City FC in the 2018/19 ISPS Handa Premiership and become back-to-back champions after winning last year’s 2017/18 ISPS Handa Premiership grand final.

Here are five facts to know about Navy Blues Midfielder, Mario Bilen:

Bilen made his footballing debut for Cibalia Vinkovci at the age of 17

Born in Vinkovci, Croatia, Bilen began playing football at the age of five for Croatian club, Cibalia Vinkovci. Making his way through the ranks, Bilen made his first team debut at the age of 17 in what he describes as “A very special moment for me.” Bilen went on to make 39 appearances for the club over a four-year spell between 2003-2007.

In 2004, Bilen played alongside Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric on the international stage

Squaring up for Croatia’s U19s side in the 2004 U19 UEFA European Championship Qualifiers, Bilen played alongside Real Madrid midfield maestro, Luka Modric. Finishing top of the table in the first qualifying round of the tournament, Bilen, Modric and the rest of the U19 Croatian side missed out on making it past the second round of qualifiers after losing to eventual qualification winners, Turkey.

2014 FIFA Club World Cup – Bilen’s biggest achievement

Auckland City FC’s outstanding third place finish at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco is Mario Bilen’s biggest achievement. Bilen played a crucial role in the midfield, helping his side attain third place at the tournament.

Off the Field – Bilen is a family man

Outside of football, Bilen has a full-time job and spends a lot of time with his wife as well as being an important father figure for his two children.

Bilen believes Auckland City FC are destined for bigger success!

After all the success Bilen has achieved as being part of the Navy Blues, the Croatian midfielder believes Auckland City FC are destined to achieve bigger and better success in football and from his own point of view, he would love to see the club compete at a higher level.

Bilen and the Navy Blues take on Southern United in Dunedin at the Caledonian Ground.

Kick off is at 2pm.

Article added: Saturday 27 October 2018