CommBank Socceroos forward Nishan Velupillay has completed an overseas move for the first time, transferring to FC Ingolstadt 04 from Melbourne Victory for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old scored 25 goals in 141 appearances across all competitions for Victory between 2021 and 2026 as rose through the youth ranks and now embarks on the next chapter of his career in the German third division.
Velupillay was a member of the Socceroos squad at the FIFA World Cup™ 2026, making his tournament debut as a substitute against Türkiye and later started the match against the United States.
In nine caps for Australia, Velupillay has scored three goals including finding the back of the net on debut against China PR in Adelaide in October 2024.
Following his decision to ply his trade abroad, the forward said in a statement: “I want to thank everyone connected with Melbourne Victory for making me the person that I am today.
"The coaches and staff have helped me develop and excel; my teammates have inspired and pushed me; and the members and fans have given me more support than I could ever have imagined.
“Playing for the Club, who I have always supported, in the city I call home, has been a huge honour, and I will be following Victory wherever I go.”
FC Ingolstadt 04 Head of Scouting Rigo Hof said after capturing the Australian's signature: "Nishan has already impressively demonstrated his potential in Australia. The fact that he played his way into the Australian national team and most recently featured on the biggest international football stage at the World Cup speaks volumes about his quality."
“We see him as a player who gives us additional flexibility in attack with his style of play and fits our team very well. We are delighted that we were able to sign him for FC Ingolstadt 04.
Velupillay is the first Socceroo on the books of Ingolstadt since Mathew Leckie, who spent three seasons at the club - including two in the Bundesliga between 2014 and 2017.