Emma Ilijoski
 Ilijoski in July 2024 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Emma Jessica Ilijoski | ||
| Date of birth | January 8, 2003 | ||
| Place of birth | Gungahlin, Australia | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Aberdeen | ||
| Number | 17 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Gungahlin United | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2020–2022 | Canberra United | 22 | (0) |
| 2022 | Sydney University | 21 | (0) |
| 2022–2024 | Canberra United | 33 | (0) |
| 2024 | Heart of Midlothian | 4 | (0) |
| 2025– | Aberdeen | 16 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2019 | Australia U16 | 4 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 25 May 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 25 May 2025 | |||
Emma Jessica Ilijoski (born 8 January 2003) is an Australian association footballer who plays as a defender for Aberdeen of the Scottish Women's Premier League.
Club career
Ilijoski started her football career with Gungahlin United.[1] She trained at the Canberra United FC academy and joined the full squad for two season prior to 2022. She was re-signed for another two-year contract with the team in June 2022, and also co-captained the Junior Matildas national team.[2]
In July 2024, Ilijoski signed a two-year deal with the Scottish football team Heart of Midlothian.[3] While playing for Hearts, Ilijoski made four first-team appearances. She joined Aberdeen on loan in January 2025.[4]
Football activism
In July 2023, Ilijoski started a campaign to reform women's football uniforms in Australia, with some having to wear poorly-fitting men's uniforms. She called for specifically-designed clothes to be created in cooperation with women.[5]
In 2024, Ilijoski was a leading figure in the Professional Footballers Australia trade union's Our Greener Pitch project against climate change. She played in the A-League's first "Green Game", which focused on reducing team travel, reducing waste, and educating people.[6] The initiative was nominated for Elite Organisation of the Year at the 2024 BBC Sport Green Awards.[7]
Personal life
Ilijoski was born in Gungahlin in the Australian Capital Territory.[1]
References
- ^ a b Dinjaksi, Melanie (27 June 2022). "Young Matilda eyes continued rise at Canberra United". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ Dinjaski, Melanie (26 June 2022). "Canberra United announces 'top-class' signing". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Hearts sign Australian youth international Ilijoski". BBC Sport. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Hearts full-back Ilijoski joins Aberdeen on loan". BBC Sport. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ Guelas, Joanna (17 July 2023). "Young Matilda uniform equality calls ahead of World Cup". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ Dinjaski, Melanie (23 March 2024). "Canberra star spearheads first ever A-League 'Green Game'". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Green Sport Awards 2024 nominees announced". BBC Sport. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.