PLAYER PROFILE

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Yianni Nicolaou – Football Journey

Yianni Nicolaou’s football journey began with promise and purpose. At just 11 years old, he was selected for the prestigious Project 22 program, formerly known as the Skillaroos. His early talent earned him a place at the Football NSW Institute, where he spent four formative years developing his game and sharpening his technical abilities.

At the age of 16, Yianni signed with the Western Sydney Wanderers Academy, stepping into a more competitive environment and playing there for two years. His continued growth and strong performances led him to Marconi Stallions, where he made his first-grade debut at only 17 years old. In his debut season, he quickly became a key starter, showcasing maturity beyond his years. From 2018 to 2019, he spent two strong seasons with Marconi, continuing to develop at a high level.

His progress was rewarded with his first professional contract at the age of 19, signing with Salford City FC in Manchester, UK. His time abroad was cut short due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to return to Australia as football temporarily paused worldwide.

After returning home, Yianni signed with A-League side Macarthur FC, spending a season there. He then moved to NPL1 APIA Leichhardt Tigers, where he played a major role over two seasons, helping the club win the league title in 2023 while locking down a starting position as a dynamic right back.

His impressive performances with APIA earned him a second opportunity in the A-League, re-signing with Macarthur FC for the 2023/24 season. Yianni featured in 19 league matches during the season and re-signed for another year, accumulating a total of 25 A-League appearances. In addition to his success, he represented Macarthur in the 2023/24 AFC Cup, playing in six matches and helping the club reach the knockout stage finals.

During the 2024/25 season, Yianni Nicolaou took part in the Australian Cup. He contributed to his team's strong performance throughout the tournament, helping them progress through each stage. The team went on to win the Australian Cup tournament. 

From grassroots development to professional football, Yianni Nicolaou’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and unwavering commitment to the game