Football Victoria would like to congratulate Kevin Muscat on securing the J-League on November 5 with Yokohama F. Marinos.
Yokohama beat Vissel Kobe 3-1 on Saturday to top the table with 68 points, two points clear of Kawasaki Frontale.
The former Melbourne Victory captain said it felt “a bit surreal” to win his fifth trophy as a manager, after previously finding success in the A-League.
“I am just really proud,” Muscat said in a post-match interview.
“If there is an overriding emotion it is pride.
“Not only the result today but the way we played, the way we won was tremendous and made me really proud.”
After weeks of anticipation, Yokohama F. Marinos was finally able to seal the title on the last matchday of the season.
“We have been focusing on creating moments through challenges and today the moment that was created, also created history,” Muscat said.
"These guys will go down in history as one group that won the trophy for Marinos.
“I think I have said it a number of times today, to see the support not only today but the unconditional support we have had throughout the season, I hope you have fun tonight and party hard.”
Muscat started his footballing journey at Caroline Springs George Cross FC, before spending stints at NPL powerhouses Heidelberg United and South Melbourne.
Following an impressive five years in the NPL, Muscat found himself in England, playing for Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton before spending a season in Scotland with Rangers FC.
The tenacious midfielder found himself across the pond once more, playing for Millwall FC for two seasons before transferring to Melbourne Victory in 2005.
Over his illustrious career, Muscat made 46 appearances for the national team and captained the side on five occasions.
After hanging up the boots he stayed on at his beloved Melbourne Victory as an assistant coach, before taking the reigns in 2013, winning two A-League Championships and one Australia Cup.
Muscat walked away from the Victory in 2019 to join Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V. although after two disappointing seasons he looked for a fresh start in Asia.
In July 2021, Muscat joined Yokohama F Marinos in the J-League, replacing former Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou.