Nishan Velupillay’s journey to the World Cup stage is a testament to the sacrifices of his family and his own dedication. The 25-year-old Australian winger, born in Melbourne to Sasinath Velupillay and Gillian Velupillay, is set to make his mark on the global football stage as Australia faces Turkey in their Group D opener at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. His father, of Sri Lankan Tamil descent with Malaysian roots, and his mother, of Anglo-Indian heritage, have played pivotal roles in his development, providing the support that has shaped his career. Nishan’s rise in Australian football has been marked by moments of triumph and resilience. His breakthrough came in October 2024 when he was called up for his senior debut by Socceroos coach Tony Popovic during a World Cup qualifier against China. Introduced in the 83rd minute, he immediately made an impact, scoring just seven minutes later to secure a 3-1 victory for Australia. This goal not only sealed a historic win but also signaled the arrival of a player destined to grow in prominence. Since his debut, Nishan has earned seven caps for the national team and netted three goals, solidifying his place as a key figure in Australian football. Beyond his personal achievements, Nishan emphasizes the importance of Australia’s cultural diversity in shaping the team’s identity. He believes the nation’s multicultural background is a strength that sets the Socceroos apart. “We are one of those countries where, if you look across the board, we have people from all these different backgrounds. That is what makes Australia and our squad really special,” he said. He highlighted how diverse cultures contribute to varied personalities within the team, fostering a sense of unity that he describes as a “family” on the field.#melbourne #tony_popovic #nishan_velupillay #socceroos #bc_place_stadium
Nishan Velupillay: The Tamil-Origin Winger Making History for Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Nishan Velupillay, a 25-year-old Indian-origin footballer, has made history by becoming the first player of Tamil heritage to be selected in a national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of four Indian-origin participants in the tournament, Velupillay’s inclusion in Australia’s squad marks a significant milestone for his community and highlights the growing representation of South Asian players in global football. His journey to this moment has been defined by consistent performances at the club level, which earned him a place in the Socceroos’ ranks and a potential role in the World Cup. Velupillay, a winger for Melbourne Victory, has been a standout performer since his senior debut in 2021. Over the past three years, he has made 146 appearances across competitions, scoring 25 goals and establishing himself as the club’s leading scorer. His most notable season came during the 2024-25 campaign, when he played a pivotal role in Melbourne Victory’s victory in the Australian Cup. As the tournament’s top scorer, his contributions were instrumental in securing the title, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for the club. His international career began with a maiden call-up for the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Velupillay made an immediate impact, scoring off the bench during his debut match against China, a performance that showcased his ability to influence games in crucial moments. Since then, he has added three more goals in seven appearances for the Socceroos, demonstrating his reliability as a forward. However, his path to the 2026 World Cup was not without challenges.#australia #melbourne_victory #2026_fifa_world_cup #nishan_velupillay #soccerros
