Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce Academy midfielder Luka Demuth has signed his first professional contract, committing to the Club on a three-year deal with an option for a further year.
Demuth becomes the sixth Men’s player to progress through the Club’s entire player development pathway, beginning in the City Football Schools program before advancing through the Academy and earning a professional contract.
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After joining City’s Academy at just 12 years of age, the now 16-year-old has continued to impress at every stage of his development.
A composed defensive midfielder renowned for his ability to receive the ball under pressure and dictate play with his passing range, Demuth has consistently excelled against elite opposition both in Australia and overseas.
Demuth’s performances at the 2024 Mina Cup in Dubai earned him Player of the Tournament honours, underlining his ability to excel against elite international opposition.
He backed that up with a standout 2025 campaign, featuring prominently on Academy tours to Manchester and Sweden, helping Victoria win the Emerging Socceroos tournament, playing a key role in City’s U16 NPL title and becoming a regular starter in the City Youth Team’s successful NPL promotion campaign.
His performances were further recognised with selection for the Joeys, where he competed a year above his age group against leading international opposition, including England and Côte d’Ivoire.
Demuth has continued his rapid development throughout 2026, helping Australia qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup, playing a key role in City’s run to the JSSL Singapore 7s Final and featuring regularly at senior NPL level.
Melbourne City FC Senior Academy Manager Simon Zappia said Demuth’s journey reflected both his talent and commitment to continual improvement.
“Luka has been part of our program for many years after first coming through our Football Schools, and the way he has embraced every stage of his development has been outstanding,” Zappia said.
“He has consistently performed against some of the best young players in Australia and overseas, and his composure, football intelligence and ability to control games have always made him a perfect fit for the way we want to play.
“Everyone involved in our Academy is incredibly proud of what Luka has achieved so far, and we’re excited to watch him continue his journey with the first team.”
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Demuth’s signing was another significant milestone for the Club’s development pathway.
“It is always a proud moment when a player who has come through our Football Schools and Academy signs their first professional contract,” Petrillo said.
“Luka has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and consistent development, and it’s a credit not only to him and his family, but also to the coaches and staff who have supported him throughout his journey.
“He possesses the qualities we value highly in a midfielder and is an excellent example of the type of player our pathway is designed to develop. We look forward to seeing him continue his progression in the years ahead.”
Demuth said signing his first professional contract with Melbourne City was a dream come true.
“I’m incredibly proud to sign my first professional contract with Melbourne City,” Demuth said.
“This Club has been a huge part of my life for a long time and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
“I’ve learned so much through the Academy and know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead. I’m excited to keep developing, keep improving and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
