IN CONVERSATION WITH LACHLAN MCLEAN

Lachlan McLean’s journey from professional soccer star to media personality is a testament to his relentless drive and dynamic presence. Since retiring from professional soccer, he has seamlessly transitioned into media, becoming a familiar face on hit TV shows such as ‘Made In Chelsea: Sydney’ and ‘Made In Bondi’.

How do you look back on your successful career as a soccer player?

Soccer became my passion largely because sports are deeply rooted in my family’s DNA. My brother qualified a boat for the Olympics in flatwater kayaking, and my dad, with a few better choices, could’ve played cricket for Australia. So, the competitive spirit was always around me. But it was soccer, like my uncle, that captured my heart.
I can trace it back to when I was just 9 months old. My uncle handed me a soccer ball and from there, it was game on. I’d dribble along the sidelines at my dad’s matches. I remember watching Ronaldinho during the 2002 World Cup, mesmerized by his footwork, especially those signature scissors. I’d copy his scissors in the living room. That was when I knew this was what I wanted to dedicate myself to.
Looking back, I consider my career a success not just because of the accolades or titles, though I’m proud of having won a professional title. What truly stands out is the journey itself, the fact that from age 4 to 24, I relentlessly worked toward making a dream a reality. To have played professionally, to have been a part of something bigger than myself, is a source of immense pride.
As I reflect, there’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with remembering those moments, those early mornings, long training sessions, and the feeling of walking onto the field. There’s a beauty in it that I’ll always carry with me. I look back with nothing but happiness and no regrets. Soccer gave me memories that shaped me, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

How did your time as a soccer player, particularly earning honors such as the USL League One Rookie Team of the Year, shape the discipline and work ethic you bring to your media career today?

Sport professionally is meticulous. To be good, you have to be extremely regimented. You must live and breathe the sport. Developing this mindset for sport was invaluable during my transition away from the field to the modeling and entertainment world. If I’m on set, I’m making sure my poses and movements are as perfect as they can be. If I’m getting ready for a night out or even a night in, you best believe I’m dressing to fit the occasion as best as I can.

Looking back on your soccer career, what do you miss most from your playing days?

What I miss most about my soccer career is the unique blend of competitiveness and camaraderie that came with it. There’s something deeply satisfying about pushing your body to its limits, knowing that you’re not just competing for yourself, but for your teammates, the fans, and a cause larger than any individual. The rush of stepping onto the field, feeling the energy of the crowd, and knowing that every moment counted, that's hard to replicate outside of the game.
At the same time, the bonds formed with teammates, sharing the highs and lows, create a sense of brotherhood that’s irreplaceable. That shared pursuit of a common goal, there’s something about that unity that’s deeply rewarding.
While I don’t regret stepping away, because my body needed to stop, I do miss the game. It’s a part of me and those moments, especially with the fans and the team, will always hold a special place in my heart.

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sweater OFFICINE GÉNÉRALE
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sunglasses CHANEL

What inspired you to make the leap from professional athlete to media personality?

My body couldn’t keep up. By the end of 2022 when I made the decision to hang the boots up, I had 7 soccer-related surgeries. I want to be able to run around with my future kids one day, pain free. That became my motivation. Soccer was always my life’s passion and love, but I didn’t want life to not continue as it should when soccer ended. Luckily, my social media was taking off during my last two years of playing. The opportunities were there to make the career change.

You’ve been featured on hit shows like ‘Made In Chelsea: Sydney’ and ‘Made In Bondi’. What has been your most memorable experience from reality TV?

The most memorable experience from my time on reality TV has to be the unique adrenaline rush that comes when you hear the word "action". It’s a feeling I quickly grew to love, a mix of fear, excitement, and anticipation, much like what I experienced in my soccer days. I used to get the same butterflies standing in the tunnel before a big game, waiting to step onto the pitch. That moment of stillness before stepping into something unpredictable is electric.
But if I had to single out one specific moment, it would be my first ever day on set. I stepped into an empty restaurant for my first blind date of my life, on camera, no less. There was this circle of cameras, crew, and extras all surrounding a solo table in the middle of it all, with a girl already sitting there, waiting. The surrealness of it all, combined with the tension, was unforgettable. It’s moments like those that make reality TV such a thrilling experience. You never know what’s going to happen, but you can’t help but lean into the uncertainty.

You’ve become an advocate for men’s health, fitness, and personal growth. Why are these topics so important to you, and how do you approach promoting them to your followers?

Men’s health, fitness, and personal growth are incredibly important to me because I’ve lived through the struggles of feeling inadequate as a young man. I grew up with bad acne, braces, and zero ability to talk to girls, which made those years particularly tough. On top of that, I felt this overwhelming pressure to fit the mold of a "macho jock" who showed no signs of vulnerability, as if nothing could affect me.
But the truth is, that’s a false expectation many young men face. Now that I’ve learned it’s okay to feel things, to care about your physical and mental health, and to have real passions, I feel a strong responsibility to help the younger generation understand that. I want to show them that being a man doesn’t mean being invulnerable. It means embracing who you are and taking care of yourself in every sense, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
To promote these ideas, I make sure that my advocacy feels authentic and grounded. I share my own journey, honestly discussing the challenges I faced, and I’m open about my ongoing commitment to personal growth. One way I approach this is by leading through example. Whether I’m posting about a workout, sharing reflections on mental health, or simply showing how self-care and confidence can co-exist, I aim to be relatable and real. I want my followers to see that I’m not preaching perfection, but progress. By engaging in open conversations, responding to questions, and creating content that fosters vulnerability and strength, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their well-being without shame.

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scarf LOEWE
short VENROY
socks GUCCI
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coat LOEWE
top JAMES BARK
pants ACNE STUDIOS
bag & belt PRADA
necklace DIOR

How do you stay motivated to keep your fitness levels up post-retirement from soccer, and what advice do you have for others in maintaining their health?

Staying motivated to keep my fitness levels up post-retirement stems from my love of competition. I've found a new passion in HYROX events, and I’m currently gearing up for the December Melbourne HYROX, which I’m taking very seriously. Competing again, even in a different format, gives me that same adrenaline rush I used to get from soccer.
Outside of HYROX, I keep things enjoyable by doing activities that bring me happiness. Whether it’s hitting the golf course, joining group fitness classes, or trying out new things like boxing, I always make sure my workouts are varied and engaging.
For others looking to maintain their health, I’d say motivation and enjoyment are closely tied. It’s important to find something you love, whether that’s a sport, a type of workout, or even just setting small goals like hitting a personal best or attending a certain number of classes each month. The key is to make fitness fun and fulfilling, rather than a chore. When you enjoy the process, it becomes much easier to stay consistent.

Modern masculinity is a central theme in your work. What message do you hope to convey to young men struggling with societal expectations today?

In today’s world, young men are under immense pressure to meet societal expectations that often feel impossible to balance. Whether it’s the pressure to be successful, stoic, or emotionally detached, there’s this pervasive notion that vulnerability or showing care makes you less of a man. I’ve been there myself and I understand how overwhelming it can be to feel like you’re constantly falling short of these unrealistic ideals.
The message I want to convey to young men is that it’s completely normal to struggle under this weight. It’s okay to feel vulnerable, to care, and to embrace passions that don’t fit the traditional mold. Modern masculinity is not about suppressing emotion or being impenetrable, it’s about finding strength in authenticity. Real confidence comes from accepting yourself as you are, not as who you think the world expects you to be.
I want young men to know that they don’t need to hide behind a facade. Being honest with yourself and others about your struggles, your ambitions, and your emotions is not a weakness, it’s a sign of real strength. That’s the message I aim to promote, and I hope it encourages others to break free from those rigid societal expectations and find their own path.

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top ZARA
pants RALPH LAUREN
shoes NEW BALANCE
belt & bracelet DIOR
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shirt POLO RALPH LAUREN
short INDUSTRIE
shoes ALDO
bandana STYLIST’S OWN

How do you continue to push yourself creatively, both on TV and in your personal life?

Pushing myself creatively, both on TV and in my personal life, comes down to setting meaningful goals and committing to personal reflection and growth. Whether it’s preparing for a new project on television or focusing on self-improvement, I constantly assess where I’m at and where I want to go next. Setting clear, tangible goals keeps me grounded and driven, but I also make room for flexibility and learning along the way.
A big part of this process is embracing vulnerability, which I’ve learned is where true creativity and growth lie. As Brene Brown often talks about in her work on vulnerability and leadership, it takes courage to step into spaces where you're unsure of the outcome. But it’s in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that real breakthroughs happen. By allowing myself to be open to new challenges and accepting that I won’t always have the perfect answer, I push my boundaries and grow both creatively and personally.
Another key for me is staying curious—exploring new activities like boxing, participating in HYROX events, or even just trying different approaches in my work. Surrounding myself with inspiring people and being open to their ideas also helps keep my creativity fresh. Ultimately, creativity is fueled by the willingness to continually evolve, to learn from struggles, and to turn vulnerability into strength.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

I’m really excited to share that ‘Made in Bondi’ is currently airing on Channel 7 and 7plus in Australia, and Channel 4 in the UK, which has been an incredible experience to be part of. Beyond that, I have a few charity events lined up before the year ends, and I’m really looking forward to giving back and using my platform for causes that matter to me.
As for what’s next, there are definitely some exciting projects on the horizon. While I can’t go into too much detail just yet, I’m approaching everything with a positive mindset, a lot of energy, and a real drive to keep pushing myself. I’m focused on continuing to grow, both personally and professionally, and I’m eager to see where the next chapter takes me. It’s all about staying grounded while embracing new challenges with passion and purpose.

TEAM CREDITS

talent LACHLAN MCLEAN
photography & creative direction EDWARD TRAN
styling CHRISTOFFER CHENG