James Georgiou’s love for football began as early as he can remember. “I’ve been playing football forever, whether it was in the garden or in the house,” he recalls with a smile. At the age of six – seven, he joined football academy, FTS, marking the start of a journey that would soon become a serious pursuit. It was after the COVID-19 pandemic that Georgiou realised his potential. “I had developed a fair bit, and it was at that point I realised I’m good enough to make it as a professional. I started taking it more seriously from then on.”
At just 19, Georgiou has his sights set high. When asked about his professional goals for the next five years, he doesn’t hesitate: “Hopefully playing for a first-team side, whether that be in Australia or overseas, but hopefully at the highest level possible.” His ultimate dream? To compete in the English Premier League. “It has all the best teams, and I’ve been watching it for years, so to get to that level would be a dream come true,” he says, his eyes lighting up at the thought.
Like many young footballers, Georgiou draws inspiration from the game’s biggest stars. His favourite player is Barcelona’s Pedri, whom he admires for his silky ball control and tireless work ethic. “He’s so good on the ball but also a hard worker off it, so he’s definitely someone I watch and try to take inspiration from,” Georgiou explains. Growing up, however, it was Lionel Messi who captured his imagination. “I started watching games and fell in love with football because of him,” he admits.
Georgiou’s love for the sport is also tied to family. A proud Greek Australian, he credits his father for sparking his loyalty to Liverpool FC. “My favourite team is Liverpool because my dad supports them. Watching games together with him is a fond memory,” he shares. Those moments of bonding over football have fuelled his passion and drive to succeed.
As a young player in Australia’s football scene, Georgiou has a grounded perspective on the state of the sport. “I think football in Australia is very underrated,” he says. “Even in the NPL divisions, the level is obviously not amazing, but there are lots of good players. The A-League doesn’t get the credit it deserves in terms of the level—it’s definitely better than what people think.”
When it comes to growing the sport, Georgiou believes structural changes are key. “The next step for football in Australia is a second division with promotion and relegation,” he suggests, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the football community. Such a system, he believes, could elevate the sport’s profile, and provide more opportunities for young talents like himself.
While Georgiou admits he hasn’t closely followed Asian leagues like those in Japan or Thailand, he acknowledges that Australian football still has ground to cover to match Europe’s elite competitions. “Compared to Europe, I’d say it’s not at that level, but not as far as what people would think,” he notes. His optimism reflects a belief in the potential for Australian football to close the gap with the right investment and development.
For the Greek-Australian community, James Georgiou is a source of pride a young talent carrying the hopes of his heritage onto the pitch. With his skill, determination, and clear vision for the future, he’s poised to make waves in Australian football and beyond. Whether he’s donning the Melbourne City kit or dreaming of Premier League glory, one thing is certain: Georgiou’s journey is just beginning, and his passion for the game will continue to inspire.
Keep an eye on this rising star he’s one to watch.
