Melbourne Victory academy graduate Nishan Velupillay has completed a move to German side FC Ingolstadt 04 for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old Socceroo departs Victory after seven years with his boyhood club, making 141 appearances and scoring 25 goals.
Velupillay progressed through Victory’s academy and NPL Victoria ranks before making his senior debut against Sydney FC in a Big Blue clash in May 2021.
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He made 30 appearances during his first full season, helping Victory win the Australia Cup while also being named Young Player of the Year at the Victory Medal.
Velupillay was part of the Victory squads that reached consecutive A-League Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025, while he captained the side in an Original Rivalry clash against Adelaide United during his final full season at the club.
Velupillay thanked Victory’s coaches, staff, teammates, members and supporters for their role in his development.
“I want to thank everyone connected with Melbourne Victory for making me the person that I am today,” the Socceroo said.
“The coaches and staff have helped me develop and excel; my teammates have inspired and pushed me; and the members and fans have given me more support than I could ever have imagined.
“Playing for the Club, who I have always supported, in the city I call home, has been a huge honour, and I will be following Victory wherever I go.”
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His performances at club level also saw him break into the Socceroos, making his international debut against China and scoring on his first appearance.
Velupillay was subsequently selected in Australia’s squad for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, featuring twice as the Socceroos reached the knockout stages.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica said the club was proud of Velupillay’s journey from the Academy to the international stage.
“We are so proud of the journey that Nish has been on with Melbourne Victory – from being part of our junior set-up to playing NPL3 to starting for the Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup.
“Everyone at the Club is obviously very close to Nish, and it is clear that he has earned the right, through his contribution to Victory over many years and his emergence with the Socceroos, to experience European football and live that dream.
“I remember Nish scoring the winner at Hindmarsh in 2021, which was his first ever goal for the Club and the way his face lit up, and he instinctively ran to the away bay with the Victory fans.
“We knew that night we had a player, but we also knew that we had someone who cared deeply about Victory.”
