Melbourne Victory is delighted to announce the signing of Ayana Aoyagi.
The 26-year-old Australian goalkeeper, part of the 2026 Ninja A-League Premiers and Champions, has signed for Jeff Hopkins’ team ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Bolstering the squad’s goalkeeping ranks, Queensland-born Aoyagi started her career at Brisbane Roar before embarking on a further development journey through the U.S. college system in Texas, Nebraska and Florida.
Victoria has been her home since 2025, when she joined NPLW Victoria side South Melbourne, winning the Nike FC Cup, and has spent the A-Leagues off-season in action for Spring Hills FC.
Melbourne Victory A-League Women’s Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins, commented:
“Ayana arrives with familiarity of the A-Leagues, and importantly, what is required to be part of a playing squad throughout the course of a season.
“She will add a freshness to our goalkeeping unit, working alongside A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Courtney Newbon.”
Aoyagi said:
“It is brilliant to be taking this next step in my career and joining Melbourne Victory, playing with a fantastic and talented group of players, supported by driven and experienced staff.
“The season will be starting soon, so my focus now is on getting myself in the strongest possible position to perform for the team this season.”
Welcome to Victory, Ayana!
Aoyagi’s arrival follows Angela Beard signing, and Claudia Bunge, Chelsea Blissett, Nicki Flannery, Courtney Newbon, and Zoe McMeeken re-signing.
