His journey is steeped in Dutch influence.
Jacco Bos grew up a Feyenoord supporter before moving to Australia after a 1997 backpacking trip, where he met Jordan’s mother, Sandra.
A childhood photo of Jordan in Feyenoord’s iconic red-and-white shirt has become a favourite among fans. Years later, he is fulfilling the dream his father once envisaged, starring for the club he followed from the other side of the world.
Bos’s next test comes against the United States in Friday’s Group D clash, where he may face a familiar opponent.
USA defender Sergiño Dest—another player who could have represented the Netherlands—is at PSV Eindhoven, one of Feyenoord’s fellow members of the Dutch “big three”, and knows well what Bos can do in open space.
Though a full-back by trade, Dest is often used higher up the pitch for the USMNT and could line up directly against Bos on Australia’s left flank.
A strong showing against the co-hosts would further burnish Bos’s rising reputation, with Premier League clubs tracking his progress.
The Australian has repeatedly said he’s in no rush to leave Rotterdam, and with younger brother Kasey joining city rivals Excelsior on loan from Mainz, the pair will spend next season living and playing only a few kilometres apart.
For now, Bos is exactly where he wants to be. And the fastest player at this year’s World Cup is quickly proving he can make major strides on the game’s biggest stage.