At just 16, the ‘future of Australian football’ is heading for the A-League Women

The label is a simple one, but explains why this is a signing that makes Melbourne City as excited as any other.

At just 16 years old, Daniela Galic has signed her first professional contract, just weeks after her performances at the U20 World Cup led to her being dubbed “the future of Australian football”.

Unfazed by the pressure, Galic started all three of Australia’s matches in August and was named player of the match in the opening win over Costa Rica for her performance as the team’s No 10.

Now Galic is able to switch focus into a professional environment in the colours of City this season, and has already set herself the target of breaking into the first team immediately.

Nor does that seem an unreasonable target after the praise heaped on Galic for her performances at the World Cup, where former Matilda Grace Gill labelled her as “the future” and enthused: “She’s a class act – I liken her to Chloe Logarzo, super athletic, fit, a great technician with the ball at her feet.”

In that defeat of Costa Rica, Galic was pivotal to her side’s come back from a goal down – playing 32 passes at 93.8% accuracy, creating four chances and being credited with the assist for Bryleeh Henry’s first-half goal.

Head Coach Rado Vidosic said he was delighted to have Galic as part of his squad this season.

“Daniela is a player we’ve rated very highly for a while now so we’re very excited to be able to bring her into the club this season,” Vidosic said.

“She has a very bright future ahead of her and now being part of a professional environment every day, we’re excited to see her continue to grow and develop as a player and person.”

Galic meanwhile said she was excited by the opportunity ahead with City and looking forward to her first season as a professional.

“Melbourne City has a great winning mentality and I know the coaches and club can really help me develop my football,” Galic said.

“I’m hoping to get as many minutes on the park as possible and l look forward to playing in a good team where I can continue to develop and improve my game alongside a great bunch of girls.”