Xavier Stella

Xavier Stella (Italian:[ˈstɛlla]; born 21 August 2006) is an Australian professional association football player who currently plays as a midfielder for A-League club Melbourne Victory.

Early life

Stella grew up in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and supported Melboourne Victory. He played junior football with Moreland City, Templestowe United, Hume City, and Northcote City respectively, before joining Melbourne City’s youth academy from the 2020 season onwards.

Club career

Melbourne City 2022–2025

After featuring for Melbourne City's U15, U16, U18 & U21 squads respectively for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons respectively, Stella was promoted to the Senior NPL/VPL squad for the 2023 season. Stella made a total of 52 appearances across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons combined, scoring three goals.

Stella would make his only appearance for the A-League squad of Melbourne City on 30 July 2025 in the 2025 Australia Cup round of 32 clash against APIA Leichhardt, coming onto the field as a substitute at the 61st minute.

Melbourne Victory 2025–Present

In September 2025, Stella joined cross-town rivals and childhood supporting club, Melbourne Victory, on a senior contract for the 2025–26 season. He made his A‑League Men debut on 18 October 2025 in a 0–0 draw against Auckland FC at AAMI Park, starting as the deepest midfielder and playing 68 minutes until he was substituted for Juan Mata.

As of 6 January 2026, he had made five league appearances for Victory in the 2025–26 season.

International career

Stella has represented Australia at under‑16 and under‑19 levels.

Style of play

A deep‑lying midfielder noted for his composure and positional discipline, Stella was deployed as the anchor in a midfield three on his A‑League debut.

Career statistics

As of 5January2026[update]

External links