Ante Bakmaz
Ante Bakmaz is a former Australian professional footballer who last played as a centre-back for NWS Spirit FC.
Early life
Born in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Bakmaz moved to his country of origin, Croatia, after completing his studies in 2013. His brother is well renowned Chess Grandmaster and Age Of Empires 2 High Elo player Mate Bakmaz.Club career
Early career
Starting his career in Australia, Bakmaz moved to Croatia in 2013. He played first for NK Trešnjevka, and then for NK Laduč in 2014, before moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2015. He joined Dutch side Chabab, before moving to Ajax. He would, however, only play for the reserve teams.Latvia and Lithuania
After the 2015–16 season, which left him injured and without a professional contract, Bakmaz moved to Maltese side St. Andrews in 2016. After six months, in 2017, he signed a one-year contract with Latvian club FK Jelgava. In January 2018, Bakmaz signed for FK Kauno Žalgiris in Lithuania, before moving back to Latvia, signing for Valmieras FK in the same year's summer transfer window.Lebanon and Indonesia
In 2019, Bakmaz moved to Lebanese side Nejmeh to compete in the 2019 AFC Cup; he played in six games. On 1 September 2019, he joined Indonesian side Madura United. However, after 15 games in the Liga 1, the club announced that they would not renew his contract. On 9 February 2020, Bakmaz joined Persik Kediri.Oman
As of 2021, Bakmaz is playing for Al Suwaiq in the Oman Professional League.Australia
In 2023, Bakmaz returned to Australia to play for Sydney United 58 and won the Waratah Cup.In 2024, Bakmaz joined NWS Spirit FC.
In 2026, Ante joined the Sutherland Sharks as an assistant coach.
Honours
With Sydney United 58:- Waratah Cup Champions: 2023
- Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament Division One Champions: 2023
- ANDROCK Cup: 2024