After 16 seasons, more than 350 professional appearances, and a storied journey through Australia and Europe, Jimmy Jeggo has officially hung up the boots.
The Melbourne City midfielder today confirmed his retirement following the team’s Championship-winning A-League Men’s campaign – a memorable final chapter to what he described as a “career full of moments and experiences.”
Speaking with City Media, Jeggo reflected on the decision and the winding path that led him home to Melbourne.
“This season just gone was my last as a player,” he said. “It’s a big decision, but one I felt ready for. It’s now about what’s next in the journey.”
From Vienna to Melbourne and beyond
Born in Vienna, Jeggo moved to Australia at age ten, where his football journey really began to take shape. The road to professionalism wasn’t easy – including a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia as a teenager – but his resolve was unwavering.
“It was obviously massive,” he said of his diagnosis. “But I always say I’m grateful I went through that at 15 or 16. It made me grow up faster and gave me life lessons that I’ve carried throughout my career.”
Jeggo made his A-League breakthrough at Adelaide United, winning the FFA Cup and being named the league’s Young Player of the Year in 2014/2015.
It was a pivotal turning point that sparked a decade-long journey in Europe, featuring spells in Austria, Greece, Belgium, and Scotland.
“I always chased new challenges. I never wanted to get too comfortable,” he explained. “Each league offered something different – new pressure, new cultures, new styles of play. That’s what kept me growing.”
Representing the national team
His European success brought with it international recognition, and Jeggo earned 15 caps for the Socceroos.
“The first time you hear the national anthem before a match, it hits you – this is something different,” he said.
“To represent Australia and be around that culture was something I’ll always cherish.”
A homecoming and the perfect ending
In January 2024, Jeggo returned to Melbourne to join City – a move he’d considered for several years.
“With a young family and so much time spent abroad, it just felt like the right time,” he said. “To be back, to wear this shirt, and to finish my career in front of family and friends – it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Although injuries limited his appearances in his final season, Jeggo remained a valued leader in the dressing room, mentoring younger players and embracing the club’s high-performance environment.
“It’s something I really enjoyed. Just being able to say to the younger boys: ‘I’ve been there – I know what you’re going through.’ If I could help even just a little, that was enough,” he said.
When City lifted the Championship trophy at AAMI Park in May, it marked the end of an era – and a perfect final moment.
“Me and [Andrew] Nabbout were sitting in the stands, nervous but confident. That group deserved every bit of success. To be part of it, to celebrate with them – it meant everything.”
Looking ahead
Jeggo is now turning his focus to coaching, a transition he’s been preparing for over the past couple of years.
“I’ve always loved thinking about the game, asking questions, seeing things from a coach’s perspective,” he said. “Even while injured, the staff here really brought me in and supported that transition. Now I’m excited for what’s next.”
And as for his message to the City faithful?
“Thank you. The support from the fans, even when I wasn’t playing, meant a lot. People stopping you to say, ‘Can’t wait to see you back,’ or just offering encouragement – it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m glad we could repay it with a trophy this season.”
With a decorated playing career behind him and a promising future in coaching ahead, Jimmy Jeggo’s next chapter is just beginning.
