Tilo, who plays for Sydney United 58 FC, has been selected to join Trevor Morgan’s squad for an upcoming international series against China in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, with matches scheduled for March 28 and March 31.
His selection comes following the withdrawal of Manchester United youth defender James Overy due to illness, opening the door for the Sydney United standout to earn his first-ever call-up at any level for Australia.
Football Australia Media
Having joined Sydney United at just 14 years old, Tilo has quickly developed into one of the brightest young talents in the National Premier Leagues New South Wales. He made his senior debut in August 2025, announcing himself with a goal, and has since cemented his place in the first team. Notably, he was also the second-youngest player to feature in the Australian Championship.
Despite being listed as a defender, typically at right-back, Tilo has been deployed further forward on the right wing in recent months, where his pace and attacking instincts have made a significant impact. He has begun the 2026 season in outstanding form, recording three goals and one assist, including a goal against Sutherland Sharks, a brace against Western Sydney Wanderers, and an assist against Manly United.
His performances have played a key role in Sydney United’s perfect start to the season, with the club winning its opening seven matches to sit five points clear at the top of the table ahead of St George FC.
Tilo’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed, with reports indicating that multiple A-League clubs are monitoring his progress closely.
Sydney United 58 FC congratulated their youth product on his selection, describing it as a proud moment for both the player and the club. The team, known for its Croatian heritage, has a long-standing reputation for developing elite football talent in Australia.
The Young Socceroos’ tour to China is supported by the Australian Government through the National Foundation of Australia–China Relations and forms part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening sporting and cultural ties between the two countries.
Tilo now joins a growing list of Assyrian footballers making their mark in Australian football, including former Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle Jets, and Central Coast Mariners player Mario Shabow, as well as former youth international Frans Deli of Macarthur FC, and Iraqi international Charbel Shamoon of Perth Glory.
