Socceroos veteran Aziz Behich has revealed his wife Rosè’s battle with lymphoma gave him a new perspective on life as she prepares to support him at a third FIFA World Cup after beating cancer.
The 35-year-old defender will have plenty of family in the stands when Australia opens its World Cup campaign against Türkiye in Vancouver, but none more important than his wife, who was diagnosed with lymphoma after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is now in remission.
Behich said having Rosè by his side for another World Cup was something he would never take for granted.
‘That did put life into perspective, because before, even though I was married, it’s been always football,’ Behich said.
‘When I think about waking up sore, I can’t complain – I’ve got to get on with it after what I’ve seen her go through.’
The experienced left-back said watching his wife endure cancer treatment changed the way he viewed his own challenges as a professional athlete.
Aziz Behich will have wife Rosè beside him in Canada after her successful battle with lymphoma and chemotherapy
The Socceroos veteran says his wife’s cancer diagnosis changed his perspective on football, family and life forever
Rosè Behich is in remission and preparing to attend her third World Cup alongside husband Aziz
‘She gives me strength. No matter what she was battling – the cancer, the chemo – she’s always supported me and made sure I was playing my football,’ he said.
‘She’s been at every World Cup so I’m forever grateful that I’ve got someone like her behind me.’
The emotional milestone comes as Behich prepares for one of the most significant matches of his career.
Born in Melbourne to Turkish-Cypriot parents, Behich will line up against Türkiye for the first time when the Socceroos face the world No.22 nation in their opening Group D fixture.
‘It’s going to be a little bit extra special playing against Turkey,’ Behich said.
‘I’ve got a few mates in their final squad and obviously my background and my parents that are going to the stadium as well.
‘I think it’ll really hit me when the anthems come on and you see one side red, one side yellow.’
Behich grew up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs watching Turkish football and followed Türkiye’s memorable run to third place at the 2002 World Cup.
Behich says he cannot complain about injuries after witnessing everything his wife endured during treatment
The veteran defender described Rosè as his greatest source of strength throughout football and life’s challenges
The veteran left-back will have family support in Vancouver when Australia opens against Türkiye this weekend
‘Where I grew up, Meadow Heights, Broadmeadows, it’s almost like Little Istanbul, they call it,’ he said.
‘That area is going to be rocking.’
Despite his close connection to the country of his heritage, Behich said there would be no divided loyalties.
‘I’m there to do a job for Australia,’ he said.
‘I chose to play for Australia and I want this World Cup to be special and obviously do better than we did last World Cup.’
Behich’s parents Yasar and Cemaliye, along with other family members, will be in attendance for the clash at BC Place.
The veteran defender acknowledged the tournament could potentially be his last World Cup appearance, although he is not looking beyond the immediate challenge ahead.
‘I’m not sure what the future holds after this, especially for myself but also for my family because they’ve been along for the journey the whole time,’ Behich said.
‘They’ve been at every World Cup.’
‘I’m not sure if it’s all meant to be, if this is the last one or not – but I’m not thinking that far ahead.
‘I just want to stay in the present moment. I want to enjoy this.’
