South Melbourne FC confirms the retirement of dual NPL Victoria championship winner and Hall of Fame member Leigh Minopoulos. He will play his final match for the club on Sunday against Heidelberg United at Lakeside Stadium, with kickoff at 3pm.
Minopoulos began his SMFC career by playing four seasons in the juniors before being promoted from the Under 21s into the first team in 2011. After a few years away from Lakeside, Leigh returned to the club in 2014 and immediately had an impact upon his arrival.
Overall he has featured in 153 games, scored 37 goals and won numerous honours. This includes the 2014 and 2016 (scoring in the final) NPL Victoria championships, the 2015 Premiership, the 2015 Dockerty Cup (scoring in the final) and the 2015 Charity Shield (scoring the winning goal). On an individual level, he won the 2018 Theo Marmaras Medal and was the only South player to have scored against A-League opposition.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Club President Nicholas Maikousis congratulated Leigh on a fantastic SMFC career. “Leigh has grown up as a South Melbourne supporter and has had a fabulous career with the club. As well as being a Hall of Fame Member, Theo Marmaras Medallist and dual championship winner, many will remember Leigh for his leadership and love for the badge. We are going to miss his passion at the club and we all wish him the very best for life after football.”