Nishan Velupillay

Velupillay's father, Sasinath Velupillay (1960-) is Malaysian with Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, while his mother, Gillian Velupilly, is Anglo Indian. He grew up in Australia. == Club career ==

Early career Velupillay began his career in the youth academy at Glen Eira FC, FTS (football technique school). Melbourne Victory Velupillay signed his first professional contract with Melbourne Victory in 2019. He made his professional debut for the club on 19 May 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 0–2 defeat against Sydney. On 11 December 2021, Velupillay scored his first professional goal, netting the winning goal in a 2–1 win over Adelaide United. In the 2024 finals series Velupillay would score a late goal in the 88th minute in an elimination final against Melbourne City, to make the scores level and put the match into extra-time. In the 2024-25 season Velupillay would become the clubs top goal-scorer for Melbourne Victory in all competitions and equal top goal-scorer for the club in the regular season. Unfortunately Velupillay would miss out on playing in the 2025 A-League Grand final against Melbourne City, due to an injury. ==International career==

In October 2024, Velupillay was called up by Tony Popovic ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against China and Japan. On 10 October, in the match against China, he came off the bench in the 83rd minute to replace Mitchell Duke to mark off his international debut. 7 minutes later, he scored his first international goal to seal a 3–1 win. Further goals from Velupillay for the Socceroos came in the March qualifying window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored in both games that window, first against Indonesia and then followed by China 5 days later, with this being the second time he had scored against the Chinese national team. These two goals were a part of a 6 game scoring streak for Velupillay for club and country. ==Career==

Club statistics International : As of match played 31 March 2026 : ''Scores and results list Australia's goal tally first.'' International goals ==Honours==

Player Melbourne Victory • FFA Cup: 2021 Australia U-23 • WAFF U-23 Championship: runner-up 2024 Individual • Young Player of the Year: 2021–22 ==References==