Luka Vicelich will become Auckland FC’s youngest ever professional after signing his first contract with the club.
The 17-year-old also becomes the first player to sign a contract after progressing through Auckland FC’s talent development pathway, an initiative launched to support the development of gifted young kiwi footballers and backed by 17 clubs across Auckland and beyond.
After becoming a regular starter for the Reserves, Vicelich made his debut for the first team in the Australia Cup Round of 16 match vs South Melbourne.
Vicelich played for Auckland City and signed for the inaugural Auckland FC Reserves team at the beginning of 2025.
Now, one day after scoring his first professional goal in the OFC Pro League after a player of the match display, Vicelich has signed his first professional contract with Auckland FC, and he’s stoked about the opportunity.
“I’m really happy to sign my first contract, it’s a big moment in my life and career” says Vicelich.
“It’s an opportunity that everyone hopes for, and to make it happen after coming through the reserves team is really special.”
Terry McFlynn, Auckland FC’s Director of Football, says this is a brilliant example of how important the talent development pathway is.
“This is a great opportunity for Luka. To see him come through our development pathway in the fashion that he has done, is special.”
“We’re pleased to be able to offer him a multi-year professional contract. This displays how important youth pathways are in New Zealand football, and hopefully there will be many more players like Luka to follow.”
If the name Vicelich sounds familiar it is because Luka is the son of Ivan, currently the most capped All White of all time with 88 caps.
Auckland FC Head Coach, Steve Corica, names Vicelich as an exciting prospect.
“Luka has done outstanding for himself and deserves this opportunity. He’s a talented young player, he works hard and he’s now got a great opportunity to prove himself with Auckland FC,” says Corica.
“Of course, we want to sign as many Kiwi players as possible, and having the ability to do that through the talent development pathway is great.”
Vicelich will for now remain part of OFC Pro League squad. In line with OFC regulations, any under-23 players from the A-League squad can be included.
