Veteran defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley calls time on his decorated A-League career

A professional football career that started in 2006 is about to come to an end for one of the A-League’s most reliable defenders.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley sits with his wife Kylie, and children Luna and Remy as he announces his retirement. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

A-League stalwart Nikolai Topor-Stanley will retire from professional football at the end of the season.

Topor-Stanley, 38, has made 430 appearances in all competition across stints at five A-League clubs – Sydney FC, Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers and his current team Western United.

The veteran defender, who made four appearances for the Socceroos and represented Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games, also spent a season in the UAE Pro League with Dubai-based Katta.

“I’m immensely proud and grateful for the life football has given me,” Topor-Stanley said.

“It’s allowed me to travel the world, given me perspective, allowed me to develop character I never knew possible, and most importantly led me to meet my wife and have a family.

“I’ve come to terms with retirement as it’s something that I’ve been contemplating for a few months now, so I’m at peace with my decision.”

Retiring defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley celebrates his career with Kylie and Luna and Remy. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Topor-Stanley’s greatest achievement at club level was captaining the Wanderers to 2014 AFC Asian Champions League title.

He also won an A-League championship medal with Western United last season but missed the 2-0 grand final victory over Melbourne City through injury.

Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato said Topor-Stanley was a “legend of Australian football”.

“It is a bittersweet moment to see him step away from the game,” Impiombato said.

“Having achieved so much in his career, Nikolai was an outstanding addition to our playing group and was a vital part of the squad that won the A-League men’s championship last season.

“His longevity and consistent success is something to be celebrated, and I’m sure all of his former clubs, old teammates and rivals will recognise the special contribution that he has made to our game.”

Western United coach John Aloisi said Topor-Stanley had helped build the “culture” at the A-League expansion club.

“He’s an incredible person to work with and I couldn’t ask for a better leader, on and off the field,” Aloisi said.

Originally published as Veteran defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley calls time on his decorated A-League career