Melbourne Victory have confirmed Socceroos defender Jason Geria is set to depart the club for J-1 League outfit Albirex Niigata.
Geria will play one final game for Victory on Friday night before his departure to Japan, when his side host Western United at AAMI Park.
A Victory debutant in 2012 under former head coach Ange Postecoglou, Geria has excelled for the club through two stints (2012-2018, 2021-2025), clinching two FFA Cup (now Australia Cup) titles, winning the 2014-15 Premiership/Championship double and scoring a Grand Final goal in last season’s title decider against Central Coast Mariners.
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Geria’s recent form for Victory led to his long-awaited return to the Subway Socceroos squad in late 2024. The call-up ended his eight-year absence from international duty.
“I just have a lot of gratitude,” Geria said after confirmation of his imminent departure.
“This club has been not only a big part of my career, but it has also been a huge part of my life and my family’s life – Melbourne Victory has helped shape me as a person. I’ve been able to work with, play with, learn from, and build relationships here that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“The experiences I’ve been able to have at the club, both on the pitch in front of the greatest fans in the League, and off the pitch (both good and the bad) have helped me grow and I realise how rare a journey like mine is, at a club like this, and how lucky I am (and have been in my footballing journey so far).
“I will forever feel indebted to Victory and my connection with this club will always remain regardless of where I play. I feel a huge amount of gratitude and honour for being able to play for the Victory badge for such a large part of my career and I want to thank everyone who has been part of the Victory family over the journey.”
With one last Isuzu UTE A-League game to play on Friday night, Victory Director of Football John Didulica has urged the fans to flock to AAMI Park to give Geria a fitting send-off.
“We are extremely grateful for Jason’s contribution to the club as a player and a person,” Didulica said.
“Jason’s performances have seen him return to the Socceroos squad and in turn have presented him with this opportunity. We are very proud of Jason, and we wish him the very best.
