Bruno Fornaroli’s career in the Isuzu UTE A-League has come to an end following an extraordinary decade. aleagues.com.au looks at the Socceroo’s iconic stint.
“Fans can expect lots of sacrifice for the shirt, that’s the first thing I put in my head when I arrive at a club.”
Those were some of Bruno Fornaroli’s first words after touching down in Australia 10 years ago as he was unveiled by Melbourne City.
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Sacrifice; Fornaroli delivered on that. Whether it was for City, Perth Glory or Melbourne Victory, El Tuna not only delivered goals – 112 of them in fact in the Isuzu UTE A-League, he brought passion and enthusiasm every single match.
Fast forward a decade and he leaves the professional arena in an exclusive club, with just two other players scoring more goals in the history of the competition. The 38-year-old icon also departs with seven Socceroo caps as he transitions into an off-field role at Melbourne Victory.
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When Fornaroli landed on Australian shores ahead of the 2015-16 season, the Uruguayan-born striker was a relative unknown in Australian circles. This, despite boasting an impressive CV, featuring spells for Serie A side Sampdoria and Greek giants Panathinaikos after beginning his career alongside Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez at Nacional.
Fornaroli had played for eight clubs in as many years upon signing a two-year deal from Danubio FC in Uruguay. But tapping into the City Football Group’s global scouting network, Melbourne City were confident of unearthing a gem.
It paid off in spades, not only for City but the A-Leagues and Australian football.
“Bruno has a special place in everybody’s hearts, so we are delighted that he is continuing with Melbourne Victory, albeit in an off-field role,” said Melbourne Victory director of football John Didulica.
“Like everyone who follows Australian football, we have loved the highlights and moments that Bruno brought to our sport. He plays football with the passion of a fan, which is why he has become such an iconic figure for Melbourne Victory and for the A-League in general.”
Fornaroli established himself as one of the league’s most prolific goalscorers, while forming one of the most exhilarating attacking partnerships in Isuzu UTE A-League history with Aaron Mooy.
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FULL FIXTURES: Every match of the Isuzu UTE A-League 25-26 season here
DERBY DATES: The matches to circle in your calendar now
FIRST 5 FIXTURES: Your Isuzu UTE A-League team’s start to the 2025-26 season
FINALS SERIES: 2025-26 structure and dates
TRANSFER CENTRE: Your club’s ins/outs ahead of the upcoming season
During his three-and-a-half-year stint at Melbourne City, he scored an incredible 48 goals in just 70 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances, claiming the Golden Boot and making the PFA Team of the Season in 2015-16.
He reached the 30-goal mark quicker than anyone else in 2015-16. It is a competition record that remains, to go with an Australia Cup title alongside Tim Cahill in 2016. That was the club’s maiden piece of men’s silverware.
In 2019, he took his talents to Perth Glory and teamed up with Tony Popovic in Western Australia.
El Tuna was just as lethal at HBF Park, scoring 34 goals in 72 Isuzu UTE A-League matches. In his three full seasons in Glory colours, he was the team’s leading goalscorer.
Then, Fornaroli returned to Melbourne three years ago. At the time, he had 82 A-Leagues goals to his name and a sole Socceroos cap.
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Now, the talisman exits Isuzu UTE A-League football as the third-highest scorer in the history of the competition.
He departs after spearheading Victory’s run to back-to-back Grand Finals, after forcing his way back into the Socceroos fold and earning a ticket to the 2024 AFC Asian Cup.
“I am very grateful for my time as a player with Melbourne Victory and for all of the love and support I have received from the fans”, said Fornaroli. “We had a great three seasons with two Grand Finals, helping me get back into the Socceroos where I had an opportunity to play in the Asian Cup, which is a highlight for any footballer.”
“Bruno’s knowledge and passion for football is second to none, so to be able to draw on his expertise and international networks will ensure he continues to have a positive impact on Victory and our players,” Didulica said.
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