Marley Johannes Leuluai (born 8 November 2006) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Burnley. He is the son of former rugby league international Kylie Leuluai. He is a New Zealand U17 international.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Marley Johannes Leuluai | ||
| Date of birth | 8 November 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Sydney, Australia | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Burnley | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Blackburn Rovers | |||
| –2023 | Manchester City | ||
| 2023– | Burnley | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | Burnley | 0 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2023 | New Zealand U17 | 4 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 27 February 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 27 February 2024 | |||
Early and personal life
editLeuluai was born in Manly, Sydney Australia in 2006 when his father Kylie, was playing for NRL side Manly Sea Eagles.[2] His cousins include Thomas Leuluai and Macgraff Leuluai while his uncle is James Leuluai. He started playing football at seven years-old, and was also a keen rugby league and tennis player. He joined the academy of Blackburn Rovers before moving on to the academy of Manchester City. Through an arrangement with the club he attended St Bede's College, Manchester.[3] His father is of Samoan and Māori descent, and his mother is of Samoan and Dutch descent.[4]
Career
editLeuluai was in the academy of Manchester City prior to joining the academy at Burnley at the end of the 2022-23 season, initially on scholarship terms.[5]
On his 17th birthday, in November 2023, he signed a professional contract with Burnley until 2026.[6][7]
International career
editLeuluai captained the New Zealand side at matches at the 2023 OFC U-17 Championship in January 2023, which they won.[8][9] He was selected for the New Zealand team for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia.[10]
References
edit- ^ "Marley Leuluai". Soccerway. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Olawumi, Ben (9 November 2023). "Son of Super League icon signs Premier League contract ahead of captaining country at World Cup". Loverugbyleague.com. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Burgess, Michael (29 December 2018). "Football: Marley Leuluai thrives at Manchester City". New Zealand Herald.
- ^ "Proud dad Kylie Leuluai watching son forge own sports career". 1 News.
- ^ "Kiwi teen signs pro contract with Premier League club". 1news.co.uk. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ "Kiwi teenager signs contract with Burnley F". RNZ. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Appleyard, Joe (9 November 2023). "Leeds Rhinos legend Kylie Leuluai's son signs for Premier League club Burnley FC". Leeds Live. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Lee, Henry. "Burnley sign teenage defender Marley Leuluai to his first pro' contract". FriendsoffootballNZ.
- ^ "New Zealand and Tahiti win on the first match day of the OFC U-17 Championship". Oceaniafootballcenter.org. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand teenager Marley Leuluai signs pro deal with Premier League club Burnley". i.stuff.co.nz. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.