Kye Rowles


Kye Francis Rowles is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a central defender for Major League Soccer club D.C. United and the Australia national team.
Rowles began his professional career with Brisbane Roar in 2016 before moving to Central Coast Mariners in 2017. In 2022 he signed for Scottish club Heart of Midlothian. He has represented Australia at under-17 level, including at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, under-23 level at the Tokyo Olympics and at senior level at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Brisbane Roar

In May 2016, Rowles signed his first professional contract with Brisbane Roar on a two-year deal along with fellow young defender Connor O'Toole. Rowles made his first competitive start for the Roar in a loss to Ulsan Hyundai in the AFC Champions League on 28 February 2017.

Central Coast Mariners

Rowles moved to Central Coast Mariners on a one-year contract in June 2017. He made his Mariners' A-League debut on 18 November 2017, following an injury to Josh Rose, in a loss to Adelaide United.
Rowles played for the Mariners in the 2021 FFA Cup Final, which the Mariners lost 2-1. Rowles was jointly awarded the Mark Viduka Medal along with Jake Brimmer, becoming the first player to win the medal while playing for the losing team. He is also the only person to consecutively win the Mariners Medal.

Heart of Midlothian

On 9 June 2022, Rowles joined Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year deal. On 16 January 2023, following a successful World Cup with Australia, Rowles signed a five-year contract extension to 2028.

D.C. United

On 15 January 2025, Rowles joined Major League Soccer outfit D.C. United for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal, with an option of another year.

International career

Rowles was selected in the Australian under-17 team for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
In November 2020, Rowles was called up to the Australian under-23 team for friendly matches against A-League sides. In June 2021, Rowles was called up to the team again for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was part of the Olyroos Olympic squad. The team beat Argentine in their first group match but were unable to win another match. They were therefore not in medal contention.
Rowles made his Socceroos debut 1 June 2022 against Jordan in a friendly match, winning 2-1.
Rowles was called up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Career statistics

Club

International

International goals

Honours

;Australia U20
  • AFF U-19 Youth Championship: 2016
;Individual