Luke Brattan

Nathan Luke Brattan (born 8 March 1990) is an Australian professional soccer player who last played as a defensive midfielder for Macarthur FC and the Australia national team.

Born in England, Brattan moved to Australia at a young age, playing youth football for Rochedale Rovers and Queensland Lions before making his professional debut for Brisbane Roar. He spent several seasons with the Roar before leaving the club in 2015. He subsequently signed for Manchester City, spending the majority of his subsequent time on loan at partner club Melbourne City.

Brattan appeared several times for the Australian under-20 side and has been called up to the squad of the Australian senior side.

Early life Brattan was born in Hull, England, but moved to Australia when he was six months old. His father Gary formerly played for Hull City.

Club career Brisbane Roar Brattan made his senior debut as a 19-year-old in the Queensland Roar's "Against Racism" clash against the Scottish football side Celtic in 2009, displaying early potential. His debut A-League appearance was away to Perth Glory in December 2009.

Manchester City Following his release from Brisbane Roar, Brattan was linked with a move to English Premier League side Manchester City. On 26 October 2015, Brattan completed the free transfer move to Manchester City on a four-year deal.

Bolton Wanderers loan On the same day of signing for Manchester City, he was immediately sent out on loan to Bolton Wanderers in the Championship until 3 January 2016. However, the loan was cut short by two weeks and Brattan was recalled by his parent club without having played a single game for Bolton Wanderers.

Melbourne City loan In June 2016, Brattan joined Melbourne City on a one-year loan deal. He made his first appearance in a City shirt in a 5–0 friendly match win over Port Melbourne SC on 20 July 2016. On 1 August 2017, Melbourne City announced that Brattan's loan deal at the club had been extended for an additional year. On 5 July the club confirmed Brattan's loan would be extended by a third season.

On 7 August 2018, during the first half of the First Round match of 2018 FFA Cup against Brisbane Roar Brattan fell to the ground in a challenge with Stefan Mauk and was accidentally kicked in the head by the opposition player as Mauk kicked the ball away. When the club doctor suspected he had suffered a spinal injury, the game was suspended for 40 minutes as they awaited a specialist ambulance designed for transporting patients with head, neck or spine injuries. He was transported to Redcliffe Hospital.

Sydney FC In July 2019, Brattan joined Sydney FC on a one-year contract. He scored his first goal for the club on 2 January 2021 against Wellington Phoenix.

On 8 August 2023, Sydney FC announced Brattan as the new club captain, replacing Alex Wilkinson who retired at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.

Macarthur FC Brattan moved to Sydney's cross-town rivals, Macarthur FC, for the 2024–25 season.

International career Brattan played in Australia's under-20 squad in 2008 and 2009.

Ahead of a 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification match against Bangladesh in Perth, Ange Postecoglou called up Brattan for the senior Australian team as an injury replacement for captain Mile Jedinak.

On 6 October 2024, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic recalled Brattan to the squad to cover injured midfielders Massimo Luongo and Connor Metcalfe.

Career statistics

Honours

Brisbane Roar A-League Premiership: 2010–11, 2013–14 A-League Championship: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14

Melbourne City FFA Cup: 2016

Sydney A-League Premiership: 2019–20 A-League Championship: 2019–20 Australia Cup: 2023

Macarthur FC Australia Cup: 2024

Individual PFA A-League Team of the Season: 2013–14, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21 Sydney FC Player of the Season: 2019–20 A-Leagues All Star: 2024