Dylan Leonard

Dylan Leonard

Personal information
Date of birth	(2007-08-30) 30 August 2007 (age 17) [1]
Place of birth	Australia
Height	1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Central defender
Team information
Current team	Western United
Number	30
Youth career
–2020	Melbourne City
2021–2023	Port Melbourne
2024–	Western United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2023	Port Melbourne	16	(0)
2024–	Western United NPL	22	(0)
2024–	Western United	28	(1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 9 August 2025

Dylan Leonard (born 30 August 2007) is an Australian professional association football player who plays as a central defender for A-League Men club Western United. Leonard holds the records for Western United's youngest debutant and youngest goalscorer. ^[2]

Club career

After signing a scholarship contract with Western United in June 2024 at the age of 16, Leonard made his A-League Men debut for Western United on Sunday 20 October 2024 against Wellington Phoenix at Wellington Regional Stadium, coming on as an 83rd minute substitute for Tate Russell in an eventual 1-1 draw.

Leonard made his first A-League Men start for Western United on Sunday 27 August 2024 against Western Sydney Wanderers at Ironbark Fields after James Donachie suffered a calf injury prior to the match. ^[3]

Leonard scored his first A-League Men goal during Western United's Unite Round match against Perth Glory on Friday 22 November 2024, scoring in the 60th minute of an eventual 3-1 win, with Leonard becoming Western United's youngest ever goalscorer.

Leonard became the youngest player to start an A-League Men’s semi final, after starting for Western United in the first leg of their two-legged semi-final against Melbourne City on 16 May 2025, with Leonard receiving Western United's young player of the year award days later. ^[4]

In May 2025, Leonard was ranked by Traits Insights as statistically the A-League's 11th best player, the A-League's 3rd best centre-back, and Western United's 2nd best player, with Leonard ranking above average among his positional peers across scoring, creating, passing and defending. ^[5]

International career

Leonard was selected in the Young Socceroos squad for the ASEAN U-19 Boys’ Championship in July 2024, with Leonard captaining the side during the group stages as the they went on to finish third at the tournament.

In May 2025, Leonard was selected for Australia's Under-18 squad for the UEFA Friendship Cup in June. ^[6]

Style of play

Leonard is described as a true modern-day centre-back, who mixes composed ball-playing with superb physical strength, leadership and defensive intelligence at the back. ^{[7] [8]}

Personal life

Leonard is of Scottish descent, with both of his parents having been born in Scotland, and has been a Celtic F.C. support since his childhood, with Leonard harbouring ambitions of one day playing for the team. ^[9]

References

1. "Dylan Leonard". Soccerway. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
2. Pisani, Sacha. "Aussie wonderkid reveals 'one club I want to play for' after busting Google myth". A-Leagues. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
3. Harrington, Anna. "The 17-year-old who swapped school for A-League finals". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
4. Murray, Tara. "Leonard making his mark". Star Weekly. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
5. Rosengarten, Jake. "Australia is sleeping on a ridiculous football story: Proof this 17-year-old is the real deal". A-Leagues. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
6. Hughes, Nick. "Dylan Leonard back in green and gold after standout season". Western United FC. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
7. Pisani, Sacha. "Sliding doors moment that's unearthed a generational Australian talent". A-Leagues. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
8. "Dylan Leonard". Western United FC. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
9. Spence, Conor. "Aussie Dylan Leonard reveals his Celtic dreams". The Celtic Star. Retrieved 9 August 2025.