A-League contract news: Melbourne City sign 15yo Akeem Gerald

Melbourne City academy graduate Akeem Gerald has signed his first professional contract, aged just 15.

The teenage prodigy has penned a three-year deal through to the end of the 2027-28 Isuzu UTE A-League season, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Gerald only celebrated his 15th birthday earlier this year but has enjoyed a breakout season in City’s academy setup.

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After spending time at Tottenham as a kid when his family lived in England, Gerald has made history at academy and senior level at City, where the winger became the club’s youngest goalscorer in youth-team history at VPL1 level before becoming the youngest men’s player to represent the two-time Isuzu UTE A-League champions via the 2025 Australia Cup.

HISTORY! 5-year academy journey culminated in historic feat & a 15yo summed it up

“Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true and a really proud moment for me and my family,” said Gerald.

“I’m so grateful to everyone at the club who has supported me on and off the pitch and helped me get to this point.

“I’ve already learnt so much in the Academy, but I know the hard work is only just beginning. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to keep improving.”

Gerald – known for his blistering speed, technical quality and fearless 1v1 ability – has enjoyed a rapid rise through the City ranks.

He joined City aged 12 in late 2022. In 2023, he spent time with the Under-14 team before making the jump to the U16s in 2024 and then the U23s.

Gerald amassed an incredible 45 goal contributions across three different age groups last season.

He scored five goals in VPL1 this season as Alessandro Diamanti’s City made history by earning promotion to NPLM VIC for the first time.

City’s senior academy manager Simon Zappia added: “Akeem’s dedication since joining our Academy has been outstanding, and it’s been no surprise to see him develop so quickly.

“To play such an important role in our youth team achieving promotion at just 15 years old is remarkable and seeing him make his first-team debut was a proud moment for everyone in the Academy.

“If he continues to apply himself with the same work rate and commitment, I have no doubt he has the potential to enjoy a fantastic career at the highest level.”

Gerald is the latest academy young gun to sign a professional contract with City, after Beckham Baker.

City have also recruited Japanese star Takeshi Kanamori, young Aussie Liam Bonetig, Kosovo international Elbasan Rashani and CommBank Joeys defender Besian Kutleshi.

“What Akeem has achieved at just 15 years old is remarkable and speaks volumes about
both his talent and his dedication to improving,” said City’s director of football Michael Petrillo.

“He’s an exciting winger with tremendous potential, and now with the support of a professional environment around him, we believe he can continue to progress quickly.

“We’re excited to watch him take the next steps in his football journey here at City.”