Guess who’s back, back again? A-Leagues legend Besart Berisha is back at Melbourne Victory.
Berisha has been appointed head coach of Victory’s senior academy team for the 2026 Football Victorian season.
One of the most prolific strikers in Isuzu UTE A-League history having scored the second-most goals ever (142), Berisha returns to AAMI Park in a coaching capacity after winning two Championships, a Premiership and an Australia Cup title between 2014-18.
Berisha is not the only club great returning to be part of the youth setup. Mitch Langerak is the newly-appointed academy goalkeeper coach following his retirement at the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season.
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“Having someone with Besart’s drive and lived experience lead our Senior Academy team is fantastic for our players,” said director of football John Didulica, with Victory to play in VPL1 next season – Victoria’s second tier.
“Bes’s connection with the club is deep. The combination of knowledge and passion that he has for Melbourne Victory will ensure that our young players have the best possible preparation for putting on a Victory shirt.
“Both Bes and Mitch bring a special perspective on Australian and international football, and we know they will provide elite direction to our players as they hope to make the step to full-time professionalism.”
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Berisha is a Victory fan favourite and A-Leagues cult hero following a prolific and trophy-laden career in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
After winning two Championships with Brisbane Roar, the 40-year-old moved to Victory in 2014.
In his 133 appearances for the club, he scored 81 goals and helped deliver four pieces of silverware.
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“I’m very pleased to be stepping into this role with Victory,” said Berisha, who spent time as an assistant with Prishtina in Kosovo.
“Since retiring from my playing career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to pursue my passion for football through coaching and to return to the club that I have so many fond memories with, and which I consider my home, is a privilege.
“It’s incredibly important to create the best environment and development opportunities for the next generation of footballers.
“I know the hard work and resilience it takes to be successful, and I hope that, alongside Mitch, we can continue to instil those qualities into our players and help our Academy programs reach new heights well into the future.”
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The Socceroo returned Victory ahead of the 2024-25 campaign before retiring.
Langerak debuted with Victory in 2008 and went on to enjoy a stellar career abroad with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, Levante and Nagoya Grampus before returning to the club where it all began to finish his career this year.
Langerak made 11 appearances in his second stint in Melbourne and will now help develop the next generation of goalkeepers.
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“Having recently stepped away and retired from playing, I’m looking forward to this next phase of my career,” Langerak said.
“Continuing my journey with Victory is a privilege, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Bes and our goalkeeping staff to pass on my knowledge and experience, to develop the next generation of footballers, and in particular, goalkeepers.
“The Academy is continuing to grow and set new standards for football in Victoria, and I hope to continue to build on successful foundations so we can provide more opportunities in the game.”
