Macarthur Bulls FC rising star Frans Deli shares his family’s journey from war-torn Iraq to the men’s A-League

Fleeing the death and destruction of Iraq as a baby, rising A-League star Frans Deli tells ERIN SMITH the story of how he arrived in Australia as a refugee to now living his dream as a professional footballer.

Bombs exploding, death, terror – all three were a big part of Frans Deli’s first few years of life.

He doesn’t remember any of his harrowing three-year-journey from war torn Baghdad to safety in Sydney – but he certainly knows playing football and representing Australia is a privilege.

Deli, just 19, landed his first professional football contract this season – making the move from Macarthur Bulls FC Academy to the A-League's’ as a scholarship player.

The midfielder was born in Baghdad, to parents Maisoon Tourani and Farid Dally, in 2005 – in the middle of the war.

He had three older siblings, all teenagers when Deli was born.

When he was 11 months old his parents made the decision to flee to Lebanon.

It took two years to get refugee paperwork and secure passage to Australia, where they arrived in 2008.

His extended family ended up across Europe and America.

Deli has zero recollection of the first years of his life but has had many conversations with his parents about it.

Frans Deli on the lap of his mother Maisoon Tourani with his father Farid Dally and siblings just after they arrived in Australia. Picture: Supplied

“It was a dangerous time,” Deli said.

“I ask my family heaps of questions about it and they don’t say good things about it.

“They say how dangerous it was, that we had family members dying, almost dying, bombs – it was very dangerous.

“It would have been a very tough time but I’m 100 per cent grateful for the life we have lived and the challenges we have overcome.”

To Deli, Sydney quickly became home.

He joined his first football team at Fairfield Hotspurs when he was five-years-old.

Deli said he couldn’t remember not having a football at his feet.

“Ever since then everything went uphill,” he said.

Pursuing a career in football wasn’t something his parents initially supported, especially as both of his older brothers had tried to do the same.

“As I started to keep killing it every season they would watch more and more and now they support me, it’s fantastic,” Deli said.

Frans Deli represented the Under 20 Socceroos. Photo: Pepe Alvujar/FPA

In June last year the midfielder got his first call up to the national team – the U20s Socceroos.

A little more than 12 months on he has made 10 appearances in the green and gold – even captaining the side during the Asian Cup qualifiers in September.

“It’s been unbelievable,” Deli said.

“I was captain for the recent trip and that was a great moment for me. Now we’ve qualified for the Asian Cup in 2025. I’m looking forward to that.”

Deli, who could have played for Iraq, said he was “100 per cent” committed to representing Australia and one day playing for the Socceroos.

His first step to making that happen will be getting plenty of game time in the A-Leagues.

But even if he isn’t on the pitch Deli is determined to soak up as much as he can.

Especially from the likes of Luke Brattan – who joined the Bulls, from Sydney FC, this season.

Deli is soaking up as much knowledge and experience as he can for Macarthur FC. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“It has been tough coming in as a younger player, the intensity has been tough, but I know it will help me become better,” Deli said.

“Brattan has been a mentor to me and all the younger players, he is always trying to help us improve and he’s been a great role model.”

Deli joined the team as an Academy player midway through the 2023/24 season.

The Bulls had an okay season, finishing 5th on the competition ladder.

There was some off field drama relating to alleged bet-fixing, allegedly involving three key players from the team. All of which have been handed no fault suspensions from Football Australia until the matter is concluded.

While the saga could have up-ended the club – who were not involved or aware of the alleged actions of the accused players – Deli said the team was stronger than ever.

Their on the pitch results highlight this – first they won the Australia Cup and they silenced their doubters with an incredible 6-1 victory over Perth Glory in the opening round of the A-League's.

“The togetherness from this season to last season has changed massively,” Deli said.

“Everyone is helping each other on the field and off the field, it’s a good place to be and a great environment.

“The signings helped, but the change room vibes – everyone is really believing we can do it this season.”

Originally published as Macarthur Bulls FC rising star Frans Deli shares his family’s journey from war-torn Iraq to the men’s A-League