Melbourne City FC is excited to announce that hometown heroes, Mathew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout, have signed two-year contract extensions with an option for a third, committing to the Club until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.
Following a successful decade in the German Bundesliga, Mathew Leckie would return to the city in which he was born and raised, thrilling Melbourne City fans when he signed for the Club in July 2021.
The Socceroos star immediately established himself as one of the A-League’s best players, and an integral member of Melbourne City’s Premiership winning squads in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Across all competitions, Leckie has pulled on the City shirt 67 times; often the catalyst in attack, he has scored 19 goals and assisted a further 14.
Throughout his time in Melbourne, Leckie has also remained a key figure in the National Team, and will forever be remembered as an Australian hero, inspiring the nation by scoring the decisive goal against Denmark that secured the Socceroos’ place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Leckie’s re-signing is bolstered by the news that his City teammate Andrew Nabbout has also recommitted to the Club, highlighting the Club’s focus on continuity and stability.
Since joining Melbourne City in September 2020, Nabbout has represented the Club 92 times across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 20.
Nabbout etched his name in Melbourne City history, scoring the Club’s maiden AFC Champions League goal with a thunderous strike against Thailand’s BG Pathum United in April 2022.
The 31-year-old attacker played an integral role during Melbourne City’s most successful period, a time in which the Club won the 2021 A-League Men’s Championship and a record three consecutive Premiers Plates.
With 191 career A-League Men’s appearances under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership to the dressing room. Nabbout has also represented his country on 10 occasions, most notably during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, against Denmark and eventual champions France.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, spoke about the importance of the re-signings and the stability they bring to the playing squad.
“We’re thrilled that both Mathew and Andrew have committed to the Club for the next two seasons. Their talent, leadership and professionalism make them incredibly valuable members of our squad both on and off the pitch.
“They know what it takes to win because they are winners; they have been here during a period when we have been remarkably successful.
“Players of strong character and a team-first mentality aren’t easy to find. Our youngsters coming through in the next few years are going to need these types of people around them to help guide them along the journey to becoming elite players.”
Reflecting on his time at City so far, Mathew Leckie spoke about his desire to return to the very top.
“Three years ago, I made the decision to return to my hometown and I’m so glad that I did.
“It’s been amazing to have enjoyed so much success in the past, but after how this season ended, I feel like we have some unfinished business.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure we’re back fighting for silverware over the next two years.”
Despite a difficult campaign marred by a long-term injury, Andrew Nabbout remains determined to return to his best ahead of next season.
“I’ve loved my four years at City, and the Club has really become my home; I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as a group since I arrived.
“Personally, it’s been a frustrating season cut short by injury, but I’m as driven as ever to put in a massive pre-season, get my body 100%, and help take this Club back to where we belong.
“I’m looking forward to the next two seasons and can’t wait to get to work.”
