Melbourne Victory legend Leigh Broxham has announced he will retire from football at the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 36-year-old cult hero bows out a one-club player, having gone from kit man to captain at Victory, where he has gone on to win nine trophies during his history-making career and breaking the A-Leagues record for most appearances.
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Broxham won four Championships, three Premierships and a pair of Australia Cups across 18 seasons following his debut A-Leagues debut in 2006.
Also a one-time Socceroo, Broxham has played 384 league games – a record for one team, and over 450 across all competitions for Victory.
Victory are third and gearing up for the Finals Series ahead of this weekend’s regular-season finale against Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
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“It’s been an incredible journey for me in professional football and now it’s time to close the book on this chapter of my life and open a new chapter for my family and I,” Broxham said.
“I’ve had moments and experiences in the game that will stay with me forever and I have made lifelong friends that only football can create and I will be forever grateful for that.
“Being at Melbourne Victory for 18 seasons is something that I am incredibly proud of. This club has been a part of more than half of my life and I’d like to thank everyone, from the players, coaches and staff who have been a part of my journey over my career.
“But most importantly, I want to thank my family. My wife Sam and kids Sonny, Billie and Mila for being there every day for me. During the good days and the bad, the highs and the lows, my family has always supported me and I can not wait to be there for them in our next chapter as a family.”
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Broxham emerged from the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) in 2005 and after first joining Victory as their kit man, he made his debut late in the 2006-07 campaign which saw the club crush Adelaide United 6-0 in the Grand Final.
He scored in the 2014-15 Grand Final triumph over Sydney FC, while he also started the Championship-winning victory against Newcastle Jets in 2017-18 – the club’s most recent A-Leagues triumph.
Victory’s director of football John Didulica said: “Leigh has been one of the great success stories of the A-League.
“It’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a player enjoy such longevity and such success with one club, possibly anywhere in the world, and we should pause for a moment and celebrate it.
“It’s a testament to Leigh’s qualities as a footballer coupled with his relentlessness which will see him step away from the field as the league’s all time game’s record holder, multiple championship winner and capped Socceroo.”
Managing director Caroline Carnegie added: “Leigh’s journey from a football team assistant and gear steward to one of the most beloved figures in Melbourne Victory’s history is a story that will forever be a part of the fabric of this great club.
“We are all grateful for what Leigh has contributed to Melbourne Victory and the A-Leagues in his 18 consecutive seasons as a player, and what will be many more as a club legend, of course with Sam and the kids by his side.
“Leigh’s loyalty, professionalism and desire to win is all we ask from anyone who pulls on a Victory shirt. Broxy has been and will continue to be an example of what it means to be a part of Melbourne Victory, whether that be on the pitch, in the stands or in our offices.”
Meanwhile, chairman John Dovaston said: “We thank Leigh for his enormous contribution to the club.
“Leigh will always be a part of the Victory family, and we look forward to supporting him and his family as they embark on their next chapter.”
