Marley Leuluai

Marley Leuluai
Personal information
Full name Marley Johannes Leuluai
Date of birth (2006-11-08) 8 November 2006
Place of birth Sydney, Australia
Position Midfielder
Youth career
2017–2018 Blackburn Rovers
2018–2023 Manchester City
2023–2026 Burnley
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2023–2026 Burnley 0 (0)
2026 → Marine (loan) 6 (0)
International career‡
2023 New Zealand U17 4 (0)
EducationSt Bede's College, Manchester
FatherKylie Leuluai
RelativesJames Leuluai (uncle)
Phillip Leuluai (uncle)
Thomas Leuluai (cousin)
Macgraff Leuluai (cousin)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 26 April 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 27 February 2024

Marley Johannes Leuluai (born 8 November 2006) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder, most recently for Championship club Burnley. He is the son of former rugby league international Kylie Leuluai. He is a New Zealand U17 international.[1]

Early and personal life

Leuluai 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

Leuluai began his youth career with Blackburn Rovers after being spotted at a local tournament before joining the Manchester City academy in 2018. During his five years at City, he progressed through the club's academy system before joining Burnley at the end of the 2022–23 season.[5][6]

On his 17th birthday, in November 2023, he signed a professional contract with Burnley until 2026. He is yet to make an appearance for their first team.[7][8] In March 2026, he went on loan to Marine.[9] He made 7 appearances during his loan spell, including 1 appearance in the FA Trophy. He was released by Burnley on 10 June following the expiration of his contract.[10]

On 26 July, it was revealed that Leuluai was on trial with A-League Men club Auckland FC.[11] He featured as a trialist in Auckland's 2–0 pre-season friendly defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park.[12][13]

International career

Leuluai captained the New Zealand side at matches at the 2023 OFC U-17 Championship in January 2023, which they won.[14][15] He was selected for the New Zealand team for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia.[16]

References

  1. ↑ "Marley Leuluai". Soccerway. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ Burgess, Michael (29 December 2018). "Football: Marley Leuluai thrives at Manchester City". New Zealand Herald.
  4. ↑ "Proud dad Kylie Leuluai watching son forge own sports career". 1 News.
  5. ↑ Burgess, Michael. "Marley Leuluai thrives at Man City". NZ Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Burgess, Michael. "The Kiwi teen on Manchester City's road to greatness". NZ Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  7. ↑ "Kiwi teenager signs contract with Burnley F". RNZ. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ "Leuluai gains experience with Marine". Burnley Football Club. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  10. ↑ "MEN'S AND ACADEMY RETAINED LIST". www.burnleyfootballclub.com. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "How Auckland FC's squad are shaping up ahead of A-League season". NZ Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  12. ↑ Voerman, Andrew (26 July 2026). "Auckland FC's new era begins with loss to youthful Tottenham Hotspur in front of record crowd". Stuff. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  13. ↑ Burgess, Michael. "Tottenham sink Auckland FC in front of record crowd at Eden Park". NZ Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
  14. ↑ Lee, Henry (8 November 2023). "Burnley sign teenage defender Marley Leuluai to his first pro' contract". FriendsoffootballNZ.
  15. ↑ "New Zealand and Tahiti win on the first match day of the OFC U-17 Championship". Oceaniafootballcenter.org. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  16. ↑ "New Zealand teenager Marley Leuluai signs pro deal with Premier League club Burnley". i.stuff.co.nz. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
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