Subway Socceroos defender Jason Geria has signed with J1 League outfit Albirex Niigata ahead of the upcoming season from Melbourney Victory.
The 31-year-old will play his final game for Victory on Friday, where he amassed over 200 appearances in all competitions across two stints with the club.
This will be Geria's second spell abroad in Japan, having played for JEF United Chiba between 2018 and 2020.
His strong form with the Victorian giants coincided with a Subway Socceroos recall in October 2024 after more than eight years for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers.
Following an admirable performance as a second-half substitute against China PR in Adelaide, the versatile defender was named Man of the Match against Japan just five days later.
Geria, who has five caps for his country, said he will feel "forever indebted to Victory" in a club statement following his decision to ply his trade in the Japanese top flight.
“I just have a lot of gratitude.” Geria said.
“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."
Geria will be aiming to again be included in the next Subway Socceroos squad in March ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers against Indonesia (home) and China PR (away).
