A-League’s most decorated goalkeeper calls time on career

After 322 Australian domestic league games, 15 seasons in the A-League and two premierships, 37-year-old goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic retires as the league’s greatest shot-stopper.

Eugene Galekovic is the A-League. Picture: Getty

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A-League great Eugene Galekovic has called time on his decorated career, just a fortnight after winning Melbourne City’s player of the year award.

The ex-Socceroo told City officials and teammates on Wednesday, as Melbourne City kicked off a day of exit interviews with the announcement that coach Warren Joyce’s contract would not be extended.

Galekovic was expected to play on having just completed a stunning season - age 37 - where he retained the No.1 shirt, after it was expected he would play second fiddle to Mark Birighitti.

Eugene Galekovic is the A-League. Picture: Getty

Known as modest and quietly spoken, Galekovic has forged a huge reputation with his shot-stopping exploits, earning him a spot in the Socceroos squad for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups as well as the 2015 Asian Cup triumph, winning nine senior national team caps.

Galekovic debuted with Eastern Pride (aka Morwell Falcons) in the National Soccer League in 2000 before joining South Melbourne.

He joined Portuguese club Beira-Mar after being the Olyroos’ No.1 at the 2004 Athens Olympics, before Ernie Merrick convinced him to become an inaugural Melbourne Victory squad member.

Galekovic (front row, fifth from right) won eight caps for the Socceroos. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Galekovic’s 2007 move to Adelaide United proved inspired, as he played a key role in their progression to the 2009 Asian Champions League final, before captaining the club to the 2016 A-League title.

The reliable Galekovic has won the A-League goalkeeper of the year award a record four times, and was named in the PFA team of the season five teams.

He won three club best and fairest awards, while winning the players’ player of the year award at his club three times while amassing 322 Australian domestic league games.