During the A-Leagues off-season, Melbourne Victory enticed a number of legends back to the Club to take up significant off-field roles.
All of these appointments were executed to assist the Club in acknowledging tradition and shaping its future.
Reaching the end of their professional playing careers, Victory ensured three retiring players would continue their journeys with the Club and transition into the next stage of their careers.
On the Men’s team, legendary goalkeeper Mitch Langerak announced his retirement from professional football shortly after the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, calling time on a playing career that saw him play for German giants Borussia Dortmund, represent the Socceroos, and become a cult hero for Japanese side Nagoya Grampus after an impressive stint as a young shot-stopper for Victory from 2007 to 2010.
The towering 37-year-old will become Melbourne Victory’s Academy Goalkeeper Coach, helping guide and develop the next generation of ‘keepers in the Big V.
“Continuing my journey with Victory is a privilege,” said Langerak on the next phase of his career.
“The Academy is continuing to grow and set new standards for football in Victoria, and I hope to continue to build on successful foundations so we can provide more opportunities in the game.”
Alongside Langerak, iconic striker Bruno Fornaroli, who also finished his A-League Men’s career last term, with a remarkable 113 goals to his name, will be continuing his association with the Club.
He will now join up with Victory’s football department in key areas of talent management and talent identification.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, spoke highly of Fornaroli and the impact he can bring in his new role.
“Bruno’s knowledge and passion for football is second to none, so to be able to draw on his expertise and international networks will ensure he continues to have a positive impact on Victory and our players.”
All-time great goalkeeper Lydia Williams also announced her retirement from professional football, hanging up the gloves on an illustrious career that saw her represent the Matildas on 103 occasions.
Possessing an incredible CV that has seen the 37-year-old play for the likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Brighton & Hove Albion, Williams has commenced in the position of Community Engagement Officer, a role focusing on supporting the Club with program design and development in the First Nations and Women’s/Girls spaces.
Alongside the trio that have transitioned directly from the playing group to off-field roles, Victory has also welcomed back two cult heroes.
Spending four seasons with Victory and helping the Club lift two Championships, a Premiership and an Australia Cup from 2014 to 2018, prolific forward Besart Berisha was appointed as the Head Coach of the Senior Academy team.
Beginning his coaching journey and earning his UEFA Pro-License after an amazing playing career across the globe, the Kosovan expressed his excitement in returning to the Club, this time on the touchline.
“Since retiring from my playing career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to pursue my passion for football through coaching and to return to the Club that I have so many fond memories with.
“It’s incredibly important to create the best environment and development opportunities for the next generation of footballers. I know the hard work and resilience it takes to be successful, and I hope that we can continue to instil those qualities into our players and help our Academy programs reach new heights well into the future.”
In addition to Berisha, the man known for hypnotising defenders in his heyday with his mazy dribbling and quick feet, Marco Rojas was also welcomed back to Melbourne Victory after recently retiring from professional football.
Making 128 appearances in navy blue across three spells with the Club and representing the All-Whites on 45 occasions, the ‘Kiwi Messi’ has joined Victory’s Community team to help deliver community-based football programs and initiatives.
Rojas will also be embedded across the Club, being involved with Academy tour programs, memberships and partnership arrangements, looking to give back the love and support he received from the Melbourne Victory community during his playing days.
Rojas said: “I’m looking forward to spending time coaching in the community, welcoming, cheering, and supporting the Club on its efforts off the pitch and helping to make a real social impact; something that I think football can do and must do, which fits with Victory’s vision to use football to lead, unite, connect and inspire.”
In addition to the 5 former players joining the Club, existing player, Brendan Hamill has taken strides in his post-career planning while recovering from his ACL tear in May.
The central defender joined the coaching staff of Victory’s U23s team in their 2025 campaign, while completing his B Diploma coaching course through the PFA.
Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, said that having former greats continue in off-field roles across the Club (while involving current players like Hamill in other non-playing roles) helps acknowledge our heritage, embrace our culture and strengthen the entire Victory family for the future.
