Ruon Tongyik

Ruon Kuk Tongyik is a professional soccer player who plays as a central defender for Western Sydney Wanderers. Born in South Sudan, he represents Australia internationally.

Melbourne City
After being named Adelaide United's "Youth Player of the Year", Tongyik joined Melbourne City in July 2016 on a two-year contract. He made his debut for City on 9 December 2016 in a 1–1 draw against Sydney FC at Stadium Australia.

Western Sydney Wanderers
On 3 May 2018, Tongyik was released by Melbourne City and joined Western Sydney Wanderers.

In January 2019, he was released by Western Sydney Wanderers.

Brisbane Roar
On 6 February 2019 Brisbane Roar FC announced that Tongyik had signed for the club for the remainder of the 2018–19 season.

Central Coast Mariners
In May 2019, Tongyik signed with Central Coast Mariners on a two-year deal.

In June 2022, Tongyik was released at the conclusion of the 2021–22 season after two seasons with the Mariners.

Return to Western Sydney Wanderers
In July 2022, Tongyik re-joined the Western Sydney Wanderers on a two-year contract.

Tongyik was then loaned to Persian Gulf Pro League club Mes Kerman in January 2023 on a year-long loan. The club was relegated to the Azadegan League and imposed fines on the players which it tried to enforce by keeping their passports. At the end of the season, Tongyik returned to parent club Western Sydney Wanderers and was included in the squad for their first official game, the Round of 32 of the 2023 Australia Cup.

After Tongyik was granted bail at Penrith Local Court on 20 October 2023, Western Sydney Wanderers and Football Australia imposed a no-fault interim suspension from participating in football and club-related activities.

International career
After representing Australia at under-23 level, he was called up by the South Sudan national team in September 2019.

Tongyik received his first selection for the Australian national team in May 2021. He made his international debut on 7 June 2021 in a World Cup Qualifier against Chinese Taipei.

Personal life
Born in South Sudan, Tongyik lived there for about three years, and had stayed with relatives in Ethiopia while documents allowing him and his family to move to Australia were processed. Tongyik moved to Australia in 2003, aged 6. He has 3 younger sisters and 1 younger brother. They all currently live in Adelaide.

Sexual assault charge
On 20 October 2023, Tongyik was charged with aggravated sexual assault, causing actual bodily harm in connection with an alleged incident that occurred almost five years prior in Mount Druitt. The alleged incident involved Tongyik and another man sexually assaulting a woman without her consent, resulting in physical injuries to the woman. He was granted bail under strict conditions, including residing at his home in Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, daily reporting to Waverley police station, surrendering his passport, and having only one mobile phone.