Sydney FC’s most capped and longest serving player hits a very special milestone this week when he reaches 15 years as a player for the club.
Legend Rhyan Grant made his Sky Blues debut on December 21st, 2008, as a fresh faced 17-year old, replacing Antony Golec for the final 12 minutes in a 4-1 defeat at Allianz Stadium.
Since then, he has gone onto amass 317 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 15 goals, including three crucial A-League Grand Final goals in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
It’s a journey he says he is very proud of.
“I was just hoping to get on the field and not make any mistake in those early days,” he said.
“And I certainly wasn’t thinking 15 years ahead.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play for this great club for so long and I’m very proud of the records and trophies I’ve been able to win.
“It would be fantastic to cap off the week by beating Western United at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.”
Grant has won four Championships and four Premierships, plus a Joe Marston Medal for Player of the Match in the 2020 Grand Final.
His equalizing goal in the 2017 Grand Final laid the foundation for the Sky Blues to defeat Melbourne Victory on penalties.
He scored his own penalty in the 2019 Grand Final to enable Sydney FC to defeat Perth Glory and lift the Championship, and it was his famous goal scored with his chest in the 2020 Grand Final, which was the difference between the two sides to ensure Sydney FC beat Melbourne City 1-0.
“Rhyan is a club legend, there’s no doubt about that,” said Head Coach Ufuk Talay.
“To play for one club for 15 years is an incredible feat of loyalty and commitment and he should be very pleased with his record.
“He will go down as one of Sydney FC’s greats and he is a fantastic team player and person to work with.
“I hope we can celebrate his 15 years with a win this weekend.”
The 32-year old’s record is set to stand for a very long time with only Andrew Redmayne of the current playing group just over 200 appearances.
