Marlee Francois


Marlee François is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a winger for A-League Men club Auckland FC.

Early life

François was born and raised in Campbelltown, New South Wales, to a Mauritian father and an English Mauritian mother. His family moved to England in 2013 after he and his brother, Tyrese Francois, signed for Fulham Academy. Francois left Fulham in February 2019 to join Bristol City.

Club career

Bristol City

François signed a professional contract with Bristol City in March 2021. On 20 July 2021, François scored against Bristol City in a friendly match for Portsmouth after he was granted permission to feature for the opposition due to the low numbers in Portsmouth's match squad. It was dubbed the "Shortest loan in history." The next month Francois joined Bath City F.C. on a short-term loan.
François signed a two-year contract extension with the option of a further year with Bristol City in August 2022. After 14-months sidelined with injury, Francois made his first-team debut, appearing as a substitute, in a FA Cup tie against West Brom on 28 January 2023. He was released by Bristol City at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Auckland FC

On 9 January 2025 François was unveiled as an Auckland FC player, taking shirt number 11 from the recently released Joey Champness. Having been released by Bristol City in July 2024, François was able to join up with the club ahead of the official transfer window opening on January 16. On 27 April 2025, François scored his first goal for the club directly from a corner in a 1–0 win over Perth Glory. The victory secured the Premiership for Auckland FC.

International career

François is eligible to represent England, Australia or Mauritius. He made his debut for the Australian under-23 team as a substitute on 2 June 2021 against Ireland under-21s. He scored his only goal for Australia U-23s in June 2023 against Mexico U-23s. during the Maurice Revello Tournament.

Honours

Auckland FC