He went to the World Cup with New Zealand this year. Now Kosta Barbarouses is heading to the NPL!

South Melbourne have made a major statement with the signing of New Zealand international and four-time A-League champion Kosta Barbarouses.

Barbarouses joins the Victorian powerhouse following his stint with Western Sydney Wanderers, adding one of the most decorated players of the A-League era to a South squad continuing to load up for silverware, including the upcoming blockbuster Australia Cup final against Melbourne Victory on October 10.

South Melbourne Football Director Peter Kokotis said: “We are delighted to welcome Kosta to South Melbourne. He has won championships at some of the biggest clubs in the country and knows what it takes to perform when the stakes are highest.

“His quality, movement and ability to create and finish chances will give us another dimension in attack. Just as valuable is the experience he brings to the dressing room and the example he can set for our younger players.

“We have big ambitions for this football club, and bringing in a player of Kosta’s calibre reflects that. We look forward to seeing him in our colours and welcoming him to the South Melbourne family for the Australian Championship, Oceania Professional League and NPL over the next 12 months.”

The veteran attacker has won four A-League Championships across a glittering career, lifting the trophy with Brisbane Roar in 2011, Melbourne Victory in 2015 and 2018 and Sydney FC in 2020. He scored in Victory’s 2015 Grand Final triumph before delivering the winner in the 2018 decider against Newcastle Jets.

Barbarouses has also played abroad with Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia and Greek giants Panathinaikos, while multiple spells at hometown club Wellington Phoenix saw him establish himself as a fan favourite and claim both Player of the Year and Golden Boot honours.

His international pedigree only adds to the magnitude of South’s coup. A long-time New Zealand international, Barbarouses was part of the All Whites squad at the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup before now making the move into Victorian football.

The signing provides another significant attacking weapon for South - who already boast the likes of Sebastian Pasquali and Paulo Retre - as they continue building a squad capable of challenging for silverware, with a player accustomed to the biggest stages in Australian football now calling Lakeside home.