{"id":179447,"date":"2025-09-30T06:59:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T06:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/179447\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T06:59:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T06:59:22","slug":"homegrown-defender-signs-first-professional-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/179447\/","title":{"rendered":"Homegrown defender signs first professional contract"},"content":{"rendered":"

Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce that promising young defender Mathew Baker has signed his first professional contract.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 16-year-old becomes the fifth player to progress through City\u2019s entire Player Development Pathway, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with an option for a further two seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Baker began his journey in the City Football Schools program before earning a place in the Club\u2019s Academy in 2021. Since then, his development has accelerated, with his dedication, maturity and consistent performances seeing him rise quickly through the ranks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Begin your journey now \u2013 click here to find out more about our City Football Schools program!<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition to his progress at City, Baker has been a standout in the Indonesian youth national team setup over the past two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His performances on the international stage have earned widespread recognition, with the 16-year-old playing a key role in helping Indonesia qualify for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A left-footed defender with an elite passing range, Baker is comfortable both in central defence and on the left-hand side. He already has a senior debut to his name, impressing across 90 minutes in City\u2019s Australia Cup Round of 32 fixture in July.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Senior Academy Manager, Simon Zappia, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always a really proud moment to see a player progress through our full Player Development Pathway.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter his time in City Football Schools, Mathew\u2019s dedication to his craft, work ethic and maturity have seen him develop quickly throughout his time in the Academy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re excited to see him earn his first senior contract and have no doubt that he can make an impact at first-team level in the years ahead.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMathew is an exciting young talent, and we\u2019re delighted to have him commit his future to the Club.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHis performances for our Youth Team this season, along with the composure he showed on his senior debut in the Australia Cup, highlight the qualities we believe can help him build a long and successful career at City.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mathew Baker said:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSigning my first professional contract is a really proud moment for me and my family.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve grown so much as a player during my time in the Academy and am excited to step up to the challenge of the first-team environment to continue my development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I\u2019ll be working as hard as I can to repay the faith that Melbourne City has shown in me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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