Melbourne Victory is delighted to announce the signing of Philipp Ziereis.
The 33-year-old German defender, best known for nine years at St. Pauli, has agreed a two-year deal for Giovanni Savarese’s side in advance of the 2026/27 season.
Bavarian-born, the towering defender established himself as a mainstay at the iconic Hamburg-based club, whom he captained for the 2021/22 season.
Ziereis played 159 matches and recorded regular top-half placings in 2. Bundesliga.
After leaving St Pauli in 2022, Ziereis moved to Austrian top-flight side LASK, where he led Die Schwarz-Weißen to European football, playing a dozen matches in UEFA competition, with two of those against English giants Liverpool.
In 2025, Ziereis returned to Bavaria and the German second tier, playing 35 times for SpVgg Greuther Fürth and has now arrived in Melbourne in advance of the Club’s first match in the Australia Cup.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, commented:
“It is brilliant to add a defender of Philipp’s experience and quality to our squad as we look to make our mark in multiple competitions this season.
“He has experience in several top leagues, as well as in continental competition against top European talents, which will be a big part of our schedule over the next few months.”
Ziereis said:
“After many years playing in Europe, I am ready for a fresh challenge, a new competition, and to test myself in a different place. Melbourne Victory and the A-League feels like the perfect place to do that.
“Everybody I have spoken to talks very positively about the Club and now, with a new Head Coach and fresh investment, this is a very exciting time to be joining.
“It is time to get to work and make sure, as a team, we are able to start the season strongly.”
Welcome to Victory, Philipp!
Ziereis’ signing follows both Harry Sawyer and Harry Shillington joining Victory, Franco Lino returning on loan, Jack Duncan, Brendan Hamill, Charles Nduka and Jack Warshawsky agreeing contract extensions at the Club, and Mikey Ghossaini, William Kengni, Jack Mihailidis and Malik Olukhale all signing their first A-League contracts.
