From 10-year-old Academy prospect to professional footballer, Beckham Baker’s journey with Melbourne City reached a major milestone this week.
The talented 16-year-old attacking midfielder officially signed his first professional contract with the Club, a three-year deal through to the end of the 2027/28 season, with the option to extend for a further two years.
READ MORE | BECKHAM GOES PRO: City Academy talent signs long-term deal.
It’s a moment Baker has been building towards for years, and following his re-signing he spoke about his pride and disbelief.
“Yeah, obviously it’s an unreal feeling to sign the contract,” he said.
“Super excited… When I first found out, I was super excited to tell Mum and Dad and just yeah, a very proud moment for myself, for all the hard work I’ve put into it throughout the years. And yeah, can’t wait to start.”
Baker first joined City’s Academy in 2019 at just 10 years old and has remained closely connected to the Club ever since, even while gaining experience overseas with top European teams. Reflecting on the path from those early days to now, his connection to City is clear.
“Yeah, to be honest, I wouldn’t think I’d be sitting here right now. From when I started, it’s been a long journey here with City,” he reflected.
“A lot of hard work, a lot of tears, sacrifices. And it’s a surreal feeling to be sitting here right now.”
“I see this Club as a family, a very family-orientated club. From the day I came here, they’ve been very welcoming to me and my family, very supportive, always helping, always giving me the best advice and… yeah, I really love it here.”
Before returning to City in 2024, Baker spent time with Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and most recently, Villarreal. His international experience has helped shape both the player and the person he is today.
“Yeah, yeah, I did a few trials in England and I’ve played a few seasons in Spain as well. It was an unreal experience learning the different types of playing styles of football… I feel like it’s helped me a lot coming back over here and using what I’ve learned over there for my football here.”
“I think it was a big benefit for me… obviously I learned a lot of Spanish when I was over there. So it was good to learn another language, mix with other people, different people. And I feel like it’s helped me come back here because some coaches here speak Spanish, so it’s good for me to communicate with them and keep that going.”
Since returning to City, he has shown his attacking flare for City’s VPL1 side.
“Very unreal feeling to score, especially on a debut,” he said. “I didn’t expect to start, to be honest, for the first game. So it was a bit of a nerve-wracking time, but I feel like I did well and performed well and did what the coach expected me to do.”
With 19 goal involvements (11 goals and eight assists) across 20 appearances this season, Baker has been a standout at youth level.
“Yeah, I feel like I’ve broken through very well this season so far,” he said.
“Settled in with the boys. Diamanti the coach… brilliant coach. He’s really helped me grow as a player and really come out of my shell, I feel like, on the pitch and off the pitch. So I feel like he’s played a big role in this season.”
As he begins life as a professional, Baker is focused on continuing his development and learning from the senior players around him.
“Just look to gain as much experience as I can off all the boys, experienced players Aziz [Behich], [Mathew] Leckie, and look to gain as much as I can off them and learn off the coaches and all the boys.”
“I think as I said before, just gain as much experience as I can off all the boys and to continue to grow as a player and as a person as well. To become more confident on the ball and off the ball.”
