Aussie World Cup hero Patrick Beach has signed with a French club that will see him come up against the winner of the prestigious football Ballon d’Or award, Ousmane Dembélé.
Beach, 22, arrived on the global stage by playing a major role in the Socceroos’ run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which featured two clean sheet performances.
He has now signed with French side Estac Troyes on a five-year deal worth an unspecified amount, that will keep him at the club until 2031.
Beach’s move to the recently promoted outfit will see him face the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens in Ligue One.
The goalkeeper is set to make the move after a successful three-year stint at Melbourne City.
Beach made 64 appearances and won the 2024/25 A-League title during his time in Melbourne.
Patrick Beach (pictured during the round of 32 Australia v Egypt game) has been signed to a domestic team in France’s Ligue One competition
Beach (pictured arriving back in Melbourne after the FIFA World Cup) has earned the contract following his stellar performance in the goals for the Socceroos
The 22-year-old is set to face Paris Saint Germain – and come up against reigning Ballon d’Or (golden ball) winner Ousmane Dembélé (pictured)
The cult hero will now head to one of Europe’s top five leagues to join a club that is part of the City Football Group, which also owns Premier League giant Manchester City.
Beach’s new team played in France’s second division last season but recently secured promotion after winning the league.
The transfer will see Beach line up against global football stars such as Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Vitinha.
Beach kept two clean sheets for Australia at the recent FIFA World Cup and became one of the Socceroos’ most popular players.
His heroics even earned him a unique accolade, with St Kilda Beach temporarily renamed ‘Patrick Beach’ in his honour.
The news of Beach’s signing comes as Spain celebrates victory at the 2026 World Cup.
A goal from superstar Ferran Torres in extra time was all the European champions needed, as Spain claimed its second World Cup title.
Lionel Messi’s side fell short of securing a second consecutive World Cup crown after failing to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
