sydney FC Bolsters Defense with Signing of Marcel Tisserand
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Sydney, australia – August 18, 2025 - Sydney FC has announced the signing of experienced DR Congo international Marcel Tisserand, adding meaningful depth and quality to their defensive line. The 32-year-old center-back has agreed to a two-year contract with the A-League club, bringing a wealth of experience from top European and international competitions.
A Decorated Career
Tisserand arrives in Sydney with a distinguished résumé, having participated in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA champions League, Europa League, and Conference league. He also boasts appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations while representing his native DR Congo. Most recently, he was a member of the Al-Ettifaq FC squad in the Saudi Pro League, coached by Liverpool legend steven Gerrard.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Tisserand played alongside notable international stars including England’s Jordan Henderson, Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, and French forward Moussa Dembélé. He faced formidable opponents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Roberto firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Rúben Neves, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
Did You Know?
Tisserand’s experience in the Saudi Pro League reflects the growing investment in football talent within the league, attracting players from across the globe.
From France to Australia: A Journey Through European Football
Tisserand’s professional journey began at AS Monaco, a renowned French academy. He subsequently made a name for himself in Ligue 1 with Toulouse. His career then took him to Germany, were he played for FC Ingolstadt and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.A successful spell at Turkish giants Fenerbahçe followed, where he regularly featured in European competitions.
The defender’s versatility and tactical awareness have been honed through years of experience in diverse footballing environments. His ability to read the game and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset to any team.
International Experience and Leadership
On the international stage, Tisserand has earned over 36 caps for DR Congo as his debut in 2016. He has consistently represented his nation in the Africa Cup of Nations and has also captained the side, showcasing his leadership qualities.
Here’s a summary of Marcel Tisserand’s career highlights:
| Club | League | Years |
|---|---|---|
| AS Monaco | Ligue 1 | 2012-2014 |
| Toulouse | Ligue 1 | 2014-2016 |
| FC Ingolstadt | Bundesliga | 2016-2017 |
| VfL wolfsburg | Bundesliga | 2017-2019 |
| Fenerbahçe | Süper Lig | 2019-2023 |
| Al-Ettifaq FC | Saudi Pro League | 2023-2024 |
| Sydney FC | A-League | 2025-2027 |
Sydney FC’s Vision for Tisserand
Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Marcel is a top-quality defender who has played at the highest level across Europe, the middle east and internationally.” Talay emphasized Tisserand’s experience in major competitions, noting, “His experience in the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and AFCON means he understands what it takes to perform in big games, and he has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best players in the world.”
Talay believes Tisserand will bring crucial leadership, composure, and tactical awareness to the squad, predicting a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Pro Tip:
Experienced players like Tisserand frequently enough serve as mentors to younger teammates, fostering a positive and competitive team environment.
Tisserand’s Enthusiasm for the Move
Tisserand himself expressed his excitement about joining Sydney FC, describing the club as having “great ambition and a winning mentality.” He highlighted his eagerness to contribute his knowledge and experience to help the team achieve success.
“I’m sure I can be a leader on the pitch, and I’m excited to try a new league, build a new chapter in my career and play in front of some fantastic Members and supporters who I hope to impress,” Tisserand said. he has already joined his new teammates in Sydney and is preparing for the upcoming season. What impact do you think Tisserand will have on sydney FC’s defensive line? And how will his experience translate to the A-League?
The A-League is experiencing a period of growth and increasing international attention.The influx of experienced players like Marcel Tisserand is indicative of the league’s ambition to elevate its