Alessandro Circati

Alessandro Circati is an Australian international centre-back who was born in Italy and grew up in Perth. In August 2026 he left Parma for SL Benfica, on a contract to June 2031 [2]. He is the first Australian to sign with Benfica's first team [2].

Early life in Fidenza and Perth

Circati was born on 10 October 2003 in Fidenza, Italy [1]. He moved to Perth at about the age of one [4]. His father, Gianfranco, was a professional footballer who played for Perth Glory in the late 1990s [4]. Circati came through Perth SC, then joined the Glory academy at 14 and played for its NPL side for three years [4].

Parma and the ACL injury

At Parma, Circati made more than 80 appearances in Serie B and Serie A [1]. In September 2024 he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He was back playing for Parma by April [1].

He has family in Parma, and said: "It's great, I've got family there, I've learned the language just fine" [4].

Socceroos career

The official Socceroos profile gives his debut as 17 October 2023, against New Zealand [1]. In September 2025 he captained the side against New Zealand, in only his seventh international appearance [1]. He has 17 caps and one goal, and is listed in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].

On his decision to play for Australia he said: "I know I made the right decision and I'm sure of it" [4].

Confidence with Australia

Circati said the squad's mindset has shifted: "For sure, something's changed." He linked it to the number of players who have moved to bigger clubs: "We've all gone to bigger clubs, so it's normal that you know you're a bit more confident" [7].

He described the instruction from coach Tony Popovic to play more adventurously: "Play out a little bit more, be a bit more brave, breaking their press" [7]. Australia drew 1-1 with Brazil in Townsville, where Nestory Irankunda scored from a free kick and Brazil equalised from a corner on the last play of the game [7].

The move to Benfica

The Socceroos announced the transfer on 20 August 2026 [2]. The contract runs for five years, to June 2031 [2][6].

Benfica did not disclose the fee [2]. Reports put it at about 20 million euros plus add-ons [2], and The Canberra Times gives 20 million euros [6]. Flashscore reported 18 to 20 million euros plus add-ons [3]. The sources differ, so this page does not pick one figure. Reports said a fee of that size would make him the most expensive Australian footballer ever [2].

Flashscore also reported that Circati had reached personal terms with Benfica long before the clubs settled the financial side of the deal [3]. He said of the move: "It's a huge honour. It's a privilege" [6].

First weeks in Lisbon

In an interview with A BOLA, Circati said he learned the call came from Benfica and that the club wanted him badly [5]. He also said the first few weeks were not easy, and that teammates, staff and speaking English helped him settle [5].

His first start for the club came in a 2-0 Europa League win in Milan. His family was there, including his parents and brother [5]. The Canberra Times gives the same match as a 2-0 Europa League win over AC Milan at the San Siro, with no exact date [7].