Melbourne City midfielder Luka Demuth has signed his first professional contract, with the 16-year-old committing to the club on a three-year deal with an option for a further season.
Demuth becomes the sixth Men’s player to progress through City’s entire player development pathway, having first joined the City Football Schools program before progressing through the Academy and earning a professional contract.
The defensive midfielder joined City’s Academy at the age of 12 and has continued to progress through the club’s youth ranks.
Demuth was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Mina Cup in Dubai before enjoying a standout 2025 campaign.
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Melbourne City Senior Academy Manager Simon Zappia said Demuth had embraced every stage of his development.
“Luka has been part of our program for many years after first coming through our Football Schools, and the way he has embraced every stage of his development has been outstanding,” Zappia said.
“He has consistently performed against some of the best young players in Australia and overseas, and his composure, football intelligence and ability to control games have always made him a perfect fit for the way we want to play.
“Everyone involved in our Academy is incredibly proud of what Luka has achieved so far, and we’re excited to watch him continue his journey with the first team.”
He featured prominently on Academy tours to Manchester and Sweden, helped Victoria win the Emerging Socceroos tournament and played a key role in City’s U16 NPL title.
Demuth also became a regular starter in the City Youth Team’s successful NPL promotion campaign and earned selection for the Joeys, competing a year above his age group against international opposition including England and Côte d’Ivoire.
His development has continued in 2026, with Demuth helping Australia qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup, playing a key role in City’s run to the JSSL Singapore 7s Final and featuring regularly at senior NPL level.
City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Demuth’s contract was another milestone for the club’s development pathway.
“It is always a proud moment when a player who has come through our Football Schools and Academy signs their first professional contract,” Petrillo said.
“Luka has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and consistent development, and it’s a credit not only to him and his family, but also to the coaches and staff who have supported him throughout his journey.
“He possesses the qualities we value highly in a midfielder and is an excellent example of the type of player our pathway is designed to develop. We look forward to seeing him continue his progression in the years ahead.”
Demuth said signing his first professional contract was a dream come true.
“I’m incredibly proud to sign my first professional contract with Melbourne City,” Demuth said.
“This Club has been a huge part of my life for a long time and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
“I’ve learned so much through the Academy and know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead. I’m excited to keep developing, keep improving and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
Melbourne City kick off their 2026/27 A-League Men campaign with an away trip to New Zealand, where they’ll face Champions Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium on Saturday, October 17.
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