Massimo Luongo
Massimo Luongo is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for EFL Championship club Millwall. Born on 25 September 1992 in Sydney to an Italian father and an Indonesian mother, he rose through the youth ranks of Sydney FC and Tottenham Hotspur before establishing himself in English football's lower tiers, earning 45 caps for the Australia national team, including major tournament appearances and a pivotal role in their 2015 AFC Asian Cup triumph.[1][2] Luongo's club career began in earnest after joining Tottenham Hotspur's academy in 2009, where he made his senior debut in the 2011–12 League Cup and spent time on loan at Ipswich Town and Swindon Town. In 2013, he signed permanently with Swindon Town in League One, becoming a standout performer with 14 goals across 102 appearances in two seasons, helping the club to the play-off final in 2015. His form earned a move to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, followed by stints at Sheffield Wednesday (2019–2022) and Middlesbrough (2022), before rejoining Ipswich Town in January 2023, where he contributed to their promotion to the Premier League with an unbeaten run in League One and made 11 top-flight appearances in the 2024–25 season. On 25 July 2025, Luongo joined Millwall on a one-year free transfer, bringing his experience of over 400 senior appearances and international pedigree to the Lions.[3][4] Internationally, Luongo debuted for the Socceroos in 2014 against Ecuador, quickly becoming a key figure under coach Ange Postecoglou. He featured in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, though without starting matches, and was instrumental in Australia's 2015 AFC Asian Cup victory on home soil, scoring in the final against South Korea and being named the tournament's most valuable player, a feat that also saw him longlisted for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or. Luongo accumulated 45 caps and six goals before announcing his retirement from international duty in December 2023 to manage his injury-prone body, though he made himself available again in 2024 for qualifiers. His multicultural heritage, including royal Indonesian lineage through his maternal grandfather—a former Sultan of Sumbawa—has often highlighted his symbolic role in modern Australia's diverse national team.[2][1] However, Luongo's 2025–26 season with Millwall was abruptly halted on 23 October 2025, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a Championship match against Queens Park Rangers, requiring surgery and ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. The injury dashed his renewed hopes of a Socceroos recall for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a challenging setback for the 33-year-old veteran known for his tenacity and passing range in midfield.[5]Early life
Family and heritage
Massimo Luongo was born on 25 September 1992 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[6] His father, Mario, is an Italian immigrant who settled in Australia, while his mother, Ira, was born in Indonesia.[7][6] Luongo's parents met in Sydney and raised their family, including an older brother and sister, in the suburb of Redfern, fostering a household rich in Italian and Indonesian cultural traditions.[8] On his mother's side, Luongo's heritage traces back to Indonesian royalty; his late grandfather, A.A. Siradjuddin, served as the Sultan of Bima and Dompu on the island of Sumbawa, and his great-grandfather was the first Indonesian consul-general in Turkey before becoming a high court judge in Jakarta.[9][7] This dual ancestry reflects the diverse migrant communities in Sydney, where Luongo grew up immersed in the influences of both heritages.[10] During his early childhood in Sydney, Luongo developed a passion for football through casual play in local parks, encouraged by his father's strong emphasis on the sport from a young age.[11] He trialed for the Sydney FC youth team but was rejected as too young and not ready, instead joining local clubs including Queens Park FC and APIA Leichhardt Tigers. These informal and organized environments, combined with the multicultural backdrop of his upbringing, shaped his early affinity for the game and contributed to his later decision to represent Australia internationally despite eligibility for Italy and Indonesia.[10][12][8][6]Education
Massimo Luongo attended Waverley College, a private Catholic school in Sydney's eastern suburbs, from 2005 to 2010.[13] Throughout his time at the college, Luongo demonstrated strong academic discipline, particularly in subjects like physics, where he sat in class alongside peers and reliably submitted assignments despite a packed schedule that limited his study time.[14] He often outperformed classmates academically, even as his athletic commitments required early morning routines and frequent travel, highlighting his ability to juggle educational demands with emerging pursuits in sports.[14] Upon graduating from Waverley College as part of the Class of 2010, Luongo transitioned to dedicated youth development programs in football, having cultivated a balanced approach to both schooling and his athletic interests during his formative years.[13][8]Club career
Tottenham Hotspur (2011–2013)
Massimo Luongo joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy in January 2011 following a successful trial period that showcased his midfield potential. [15] Born in Sydney, Australia, the 18-year-old central midfielder had previously developed at APIA Leichhardt Tigers before attracting interest from European clubs. [6] Upon arrival, Luongo quickly integrated into the youth setup, contributing to the under-18 team's efforts in the 2010–11 season with nine appearances, demonstrating his technical ability and vision in possession. [16] In the summer of 2011, Luongo signed his first professional contract with Tottenham, marking his transition from trialist to full academy prospect. [17] He continued to progress through the age groups, training alongside emerging talents and occasionally featuring in reserve matches during the 2011–12 campaign, which helped hone his defensive and passing skills in a competitive environment. [15] This period solidified his reputation within the club as a promising box-to-box player capable of influencing games from midfield. Luongo's sole first-team appearance for Tottenham occurred on 20 September 2011, in the third round of the League Cup against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. [18] Entering as a 78th-minute substitute for Giovani dos Santos in a goalless draw, he took a penalty in the ensuing shootout but saw his effort saved by Thomas Sørensen, contributing to Tottenham's 7–6 defeat on penalties. [18] Despite the disappointment, the outing represented a brief glimpse of senior football for the young Australian. Over the 2011–2013 period, Luongo recorded just one senior appearance with no goals. [19] To further his development, Luongo was loaned to Championship side Ipswich Town in July 2012 for the season. [20]Ipswich Town (loan, 2012)
In July 2012, Massimo Luongo joined Ipswich Town on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, agreeing to the move as part of his development toward first-team football.[20] The 19-year-old Australian midfielder sought regular senior experience in the Championship, with the deal finalized to allow him to compete immediately in the 2012–13 campaign.[20] Luongo made 9 league appearances for Ipswich without scoring, primarily operating as a central midfielder where he contributed to build-up play and defensive transitions.[21] He debuted in the Championship on 18 August 2012 during a 1–1 draw against Blackburn Rovers, coming off the bench in the 70th minute. A standout performance followed on 21 August in a 3–1 victory over Watford, where he was described as outstanding in midfield alongside Lee Martin, helping Ipswich control possession effectively.[22] His involvement tapered off later in the season, with his final appearance coming in October 2012. The loan provided Luongo with crucial exposure to the physical and tactical demands of Championship football, aiding his adaptation from youth to senior levels despite limited minutes.[23] Ipswich manager Paul Jewell praised his technical quality early on, comparing him to a "Jack Wilshere-type player" and noting his need to build physical resilience, while highlighting an outstanding display in one match where he impressed with his composure.[24][25] The spell ended prematurely in November 2012 when the loan was mutually terminated, allowing Luongo to return to Tottenham for further assessment.[26]Swindon Town (2013–2015)
In March 2013, Luongo joined Swindon Town on an initial loan from Tottenham Hotspur, arriving alongside teammates Nathan Byrne and Dean Parrett after the club's transfer embargo was lifted.[27] During this short spell at the end of the 2012–13 season, he made seven appearances and scored one goal in League One, helping Swindon secure a fourth-place finish and a spot in the promotion playoffs, though they were defeated in the semi-finals by Huddersfield Town. This debut stint provided Luongo with his first taste of consistent senior football in the English third tier. Following the expiration of the loan, Luongo returned to Swindon on a season-long deal in July 2013, where he quickly established himself as a key midfielder. Impressed by his performances, the club secured him permanently in late August 2013 on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee reported as £400,000.[28] Under manager Mark Cooper, Luongo flourished in a central midfield role, showcasing his technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring threat from distance; he was instrumental in Swindon's attacking play, often dictating tempo and contributing to set-piece routines. Over the subsequent two seasons (2013–14 and 2014–15), Luongo made 93 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals, which marked his breakthrough period and first sustained run as a regular starter.[29] In 2013–14, he netted six goals in 53 outings, helping Swindon to a seventh-place finish just outside the playoffs. The following campaign saw even greater impact, with six goals in 40 appearances, including standout performances that earned him a nomination for the PFA League One Team of the Year; his form peaked during the 2014–15 promotion playoffs, where Swindon reached the semi-finals but fell to Preston North End on penalties.[30] Cooper frequently praised Luongo's maturity and leadership, noting his evolution into a pivotal figure in the squad despite interest from higher divisions.[31] This successful tenure at Swindon solidified Luongo's reputation in English football before his move to the Championship.Queens Park Rangers (2015–2019)
Massimo Luongo joined Queens Park Rangers from Swindon Town on 28 May 2015, signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[32] The move reunited him with Chris Ramsey, his former youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur, who had recently been appointed QPR head coach following the club's relegation from the Premier League.[32] Luongo made his debut for QPR in the opening Championship match of the 2015–16 season, a 0–2 home defeat to Charlton Athletic on 8 August 2015. During the 2015–16 season under Ramsey, Luongo established himself as a key midfielder, featuring in 30 Championship matches and contributing 6 goals as QPR finished 20th and avoided relegation. His performances highlighted his box-to-box energy and passing range, helping to stabilize the midfield alongside players like Alejandro Faurlín.[33] Ramsey praised Luongo's creativity and familiarity from their Tottenham days, noting his role in the team's post-relegation rebuild.[34] However, Ramsey was sacked in November 2015, with Luongo continuing under interim and subsequent management.[35] Ian Holloway took over as QPR manager in January 2016, and Luongo became a cornerstone of the squad during the latter part of the 2015–16 campaign and beyond.[36] Under Holloway, Luongo adapted to a deeper role for added defensive security, scoring his first goal for the club in a 5–1 victory over Rotherham United on 18 March 2017.[37] Holloway described Luongo as the best midfielder in the Championship, crediting his improved form and leadership in midfield.[38] In the 2016–17 season, Luongo made 35 Championship appearances and scored 1 goal, helping QPR to a 13th-place finish.[21] Over his four seasons at QPR from 2015 to 2019, Luongo made 145 Championship appearances and scored 10 goals, becoming a reliable presence despite occasional absences due to injuries such as groin issues in 2017.[21] In the 2017–18 season, he featured in 33 league games with 2 goals as QPR ended 16th under Holloway.[21] The 2018–19 campaign saw him play 37 Championship matches and net 1 goal, though availability was affected by minor knocks, contributing to another mid-table 13th position.[21] His tenure ended with a transfer to Sheffield Wednesday in August 2019, seeking a new challenge after 158 appearances and 14 goals across all competitions for QPR.[39]Sheffield Wednesday (2019–2022)
On 8 August 2019, Massimo Luongo joined Sheffield Wednesday from Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract.[40] He made his debut as a substitute in a 2–1 home win over Barnsley three days later, marking his return to regular football after a prolonged injury absence at his previous club.[41] Under manager Garry Monk, Luongo quickly established himself as a key central midfielder, forming a productive partnership with Barry Bannan in the engine room.[42] His defensive solidity and passing range proved crucial to Monk's possession-based system, with Luongo contributing to a strong start that saw Wednesday climb into the upper echelons of the Championship table.[43] In the 2019–20 season, he made 27 league appearances, starting 17, and scored three goals, including his first for the club in a 1–0 win against Derby County in October 2019.[21] Wednesday finished sixth and qualified for the playoffs, where Luongo featured in the semi-final defeat to Huddersfield Town, playing the full 90 minutes in the second leg.[44] The 2020–21 season brought club instability, with Monk's sacking in December 2020 and Tony Pulis taking over amid a 12-point deduction for financial breaches.[45] Luongo's involvement was limited to 12 league starts due to recurring injuries, as Wednesday were relegated to League One after finishing 24th.[21] The COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted his momentum earlier; sidelined with a knee injury, he was poised for a March 2020 return before the season's suspension, which delayed his full recovery and integration.[46] In 2021–22, under new manager Darren Moore, Luongo experienced a resurgence in League One, starting 23 of his 25 league appearances and providing four assists alongside one goal.[21] His reinvention as a holding midfielder helped stabilize the midfield, with 135 successful passes in the early campaign underscoring his role in maintaining possession during Wednesday's mid-table finish.[47] Over three seasons, Luongo made 64 league appearances and scored four goals for Wednesday, totaling 73 outings across all competitions.[48]Middlesbrough (2022–2023)
In September 2022, Massimo Luongo signed a short-term contract with Middlesbrough until January 2023, joining as a free agent to bolster the midfield options after impressing during a trial period.[49][50] Despite the move, Luongo failed to make a single first-team appearance, largely attributed to persistent fitness challenges from prior injuries that hindered his readiness for competitive matches.[51][52] He participated in training sessions and featured for the under-21 team, while also being named as an unused substitute on two occasions during the Championship campaign.[49] Under manager Chris Wilder, who had personally overseen the signing to provide midfield versatility and depth, Luongo encountered difficulties in securing integration into the starting lineup, as the squad's established players and tactical setup offered limited openings amid a competitive schedule.[53][54] His contract was mutually terminated on 5 January 2023 without an extension, allowing him to depart the club.[49] Luongo subsequently rejoined Ipswich Town on a new deal, marking the beginning of his revival.[55]Ipswich Town (2023–2025)
On 5 January 2023, Massimo Luongo rejoined Ipswich Town on a free transfer from Middlesbrough, signing an initial six-month contract until the end of the 2022–23 season.[55] Under manager Kieran McKenna, Luongo rapidly integrated into the midfield, providing experience and stability during the club's push for promotion from League One.[56] He made 15 appearances and scored 2 goals in the latter half of the campaign, contributing to Ipswich's automatic promotion as runners-up.[21] Following the promotion, Luongo extended his stay by signing a new one-year deal in June 2023.[52] In the 2023–24 Championship season, he emerged as a cornerstone of McKenna's squad, starting 37 matches and featuring in 43 overall while adding 3 goals to his tally.[21] His tenacious play and passing range were pivotal in maintaining midfield control, helping Ipswich secure another automatic promotion as second-placed finishers to reach the Premier League for the first time in over two decades.[57] McKenna later described Luongo's overall impact as that of a "fantastic player" essential to the back-to-back successes.[58] In January 2024, Luongo committed further by signing an extension until the summer of 2025.[59] However, the 2024–25 Premier League season presented adaptation challenges amid fiercer competition and squad reinforcements, limiting him to 14 appearances, including 10 starts, with no goals.[21][58] Over his full tenure from 2023 to 2025, Luongo recorded 72 appearances and 5 goals in all competitions.[21] Luongo was released upon the expiration of his contract in June 2025, subsequently joining Millwall on a free transfer.[58][3]Millwall (2025–present)
On 25 July 2025, Massimo Luongo signed a one-year contract with Millwall as a free agent, following the expiration of his deal with Ipswich Town after their promotion to the Premier League.[60][3] The 32-year-old Australian international joined as the club's fourth summer signing, bringing extensive Championship experience with 236 prior appearances across his career.[60] Under manager Alex Neil, Luongo quickly integrated into Millwall's midfield setup, offering defensive solidity and distribution in the central role.[3] By the end of September 2025, he had made seven Championship appearances, starting most matches and accumulating over 500 minutes without contributing a goal.[61] His performances helped stabilize the Lions' engine room during the early fixtures, including starts against Norwich City, Middlesbrough, and Watford.[61] Luongo's progress was halted on 18 October 2025, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee just 15 minutes into Millwall's Championship derby against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.[62][63] He underwent surgery in late October and was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, with rehabilitation expected to facilitate a return around July 2026.[62] By the time of his injury, Luongo had featured in nine Championship matches for Millwall, all without scoring.[61]International career
Youth international career
Luongo, born in Sydney to an Italian father and an Indonesian mother, was eligible to represent Italy at youth level through his paternal heritage but committed to Australia, the country of his birth and upbringing.[6][64] He received call-ups to Australia's youth national teams during his teenage years, including the U-20 side, where he earned two caps between 2010 and 2011, though he was not included in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.[65] Limited appearances at underage levels, with no goals recorded, paved the way for his progression to the senior Socceroos squad in 2014.Senior international career
Massimo Luongo made his senior international debut for the Australia national team, known as the Socceroos, on 5 March 2014, coming on as a substitute in a friendly match against Ecuador at The Den in London, which Australia lost 3–4.[66][67] Over the course of his career, Luongo earned 45 caps and scored 6 goals for Australia by the time of his initial retirement.[2][68] Luongo was included in Australia's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but did not appear in any matches as the Socceroos exited the tournament without a win.[69][70] His standout international performances came during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil, where Australia defeated South Korea 2–1 in the final to claim their first continental title; Luongo scored the opening goal with a long-range strike in the 45th minute and netted another earlier in the tournament, earning him the Most Valuable Player award.[71][72] Luongo was included in Australia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but did not make any appearances before the team's elimination in the group stage.[73] Injuries hampered Luongo's international involvement in the years following the 2018 World Cup, limiting his appearances despite consistent club form.[74] He announced his retirement from international football in December 2023, citing a desire to focus on club commitments after earning 45 caps.[75] However, Luongo reversed his decision in October 2024 when new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic named him to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan, marking his return after nearly a year away.[76][77] Unfortunately, an ankle injury forced him to withdraw before the matches, preventing any additional caps.[78] Luongo's international aspirations were further derailed in October 2025 when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a club match for Millwall against Queens Park Rangers, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the season.[62][79] This season-ending injury effectively ended his slim chances of selection for Australia's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, as recovery timelines would overlap with the tournament preparations.[80][5]Career statistics
Club statistics
Massimo Luongo's club career statistics, encompassing all domestic competitions, are detailed in the table below. The data includes appearances, goals, and assists where recorded, aggregated per season and club.[21][81][30]| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | Tottenham Hotspur | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | Ipswich Town (loan) | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | Swindon Town (loan) | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013–14 | Swindon Town | 49 | 9 | 3 |
| 2014–15 | Swindon Town | 42 | 6 | 5 |
| 2015–16 | Queens Park Rangers | 32 | 0 | 6 |
| 2016–17 | Queens Park Rangers | 38 | 1 | 3 |
| 2017–18 | Queens Park Rangers | 39 | 6 | 3 |
| 2018–19 | Queens Park Rangers | 43 | 3 | 4 |
| 2019–20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 30 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Sheffield Wednesday | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Sheffield Wednesday | 27 | 1 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | Middlesbrough | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Ipswich Town (loan) | 16 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Ipswich Town | 44 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Ipswich Town | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Millwall | 11 | 1 | 0 |
International statistics
Massimo Luongo represented Australia at both youth and senior levels during his international career. At the youth level, he made 2 appearances for the U20 team in 2011 without scoring any goals. For the senior team, known as the Socceroos, Luongo earned 45 caps and scored 6 goals between his debut in 2014 and his final appearance in 2023.[2] He was named in the squad for a potential return in October 2024 under new coach Tony Popovic but withdrew due to an ankle injury and has not played internationally since.[78] The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by year, team, and primary competitions (noting that some years involved multiple tournaments):| Year | Team | Competition(s) | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | U20 | International Friendly | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | Senior | International Friendly | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 | Senior | FIFA World Cup qualification, AFC Asian Cup | 12 | 2 |
| 2016 | Senior | FIFA World Cup qualification | 7 | 3 |
| 2017 | Senior | FIFA World Cup qualification, FIFA Confederations Cup | 8 | 0 |
| 2018 | Senior | International Friendly, FIFA World Cup | 7 | 1 |
| 2019 | Senior | AFC Asian Cup | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | Senior | International Friendly | 3 | 0 |
| Total | U20 | - | 2 | 0 |
| Total | Senior | - | 45 | 6 |