Remember the name! Melbourne City hand professional contract to winger Akeem Gerald - and you won't believe how old the rising star is

A-League club Melbourne City has rewarded winger Akeem Gerald with his first professional contract aged just 15.

The teenager has signed a three-year professional contract with an option to extend the deal by two further seasons.

'What Akeem has achieved at just 15-years-old is remarkable and speaks volumes about both his talent and his dedication to improving,' Melbourne City director of football Michael Petrillo said.

'He's an exciting winger with tremendous potential, and now with the support of a professional environment around him, we believe he can continue to progress quickly.

'We are excited to watch him take the next steps in his football journey here at City.'

Gerald became the youngest goal-scorer in Melbourne City's youth team history earlier this year when he found the back of the net in just his second appearance in the Victorian Premier League.

'Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true and a really proud moment for me and my family,' Gerald said in a statement.

'I'm so grateful to everyone at the club who has supported me on and off the pitch and helped me get to this point.

'I've already learnt so much, but I know the hard work is only just beginning. 

'I'm ready for the challenge and can't wait to keep improving.'

In 2014, Alusine Fofanah made his debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers against Adelaide United aged 15 years and 189 days.

And last month, Arsenal teenager Max Dowman became just the third 15-year-old to appear in the Premier League.

The two other sporting prodigies were Gunners teammate Ethan Nwaneri and Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga.

The 2025/26 A-League season kicks-off on October 17.