Following an outstanding career, Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has announced his retirement from professional football.
Having returned to Australia in January 2025, following a decorated career overseas, Langerak rejoined Victory for his second spell at the Club, making 11 appearances in the 2024/25 season under Head Coach Arthur Diles.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience on the international stage, Langerak will remain close to the Club, taking on a coaching role within Victory’s Academy Program to help develop the next generation of goalkeepers.
Originally from Queensland, the 36-year-old made his professional debut with Melbourne Victory during the 2008/09 A-League season before playing a crucial role in the Club’s 2010 finals campaign.
Langerak then joined German giants Borussia Dortmund for a record transfer fee, going on to feature in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. After his time in Europe, he moved to Japan’s J-League with Nagoya Grampus, where he played over 200 matches and captained the club, as well as broke his own clean sheet record twice in the Japanese domestic competition.
After retiring from international football, the former Socceroo returned to Melbourne following 15 years abroad, determined to finish his playing career at the Club where it all began. While a foot injury affected his ability to play out the final rounds of the 2024/25 season, Langerak said he was grateful to end his career at the Club that gave him his start.
“After beginning my senior career here at Melbourne Victory, it’s been a privilege to go full circle and also play my final games as a professional footballer with this Club,” Langerak said.
“Having been overseas for so many years, I was fortunate to find great success in Germany, Spain and then again in Japan. I’m so grateful to the clubs I called home for the duration of my playing career. To play and lead teams to success is the ultimate goal for any footballer, so to have achieved that in my career is a proud moment for me and my family.
“Coming back and making Melbourne home was a wonderful way to spend my final minutes on the pitch. I look forward to being able to bring the experience and hunger I had as a player to my new perspective while coaching. Victory always strives to win and I want to continue to contribute to the Club’s success.” Langerak said.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica thanked Langerak for his contribution to the Club both on and off the pitch and said he looks forward to his transition into coaching.
“Mitch has been one of the great success stories of Melbourne Victory and the A-League,” Didulica said.
“As a goalkeeper and a leader, he has had incredible success abroad and it’s special for him and the Club to be part of the full circle moment of his return to Victory earlier this year. His journey back to us is a testament to Mitch as a footballer coupled with his dedication to the game for so many years on the international stage.
“Mitch is an incredible asset and possesses the important qualities that we value at Melbourne Victory in our football department.
“Now transitioning to the next chapter, we thank Mitch for his contributions as a player and we greatly look forward to having him continue his journey with us as a coach in our Academy program.”
