“Made in Bondi” star Lachlan “Lachy” McLean talks about his transition from soccer to modelling while sharing keys to success in the entertainment industry.
Lachlan “Lachy” McLean first made a name for himself in the world of soccer. Starting his sporting journey at a young age, Lachlan joined Sydney’s Northern Beaches-based club, Manly United, in 2013. Fate then brought him to the U.S., where he played for the SIUE Cougars during his college years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Since then, he has played for a number of teams, including Chicago FC United and Northern Colorado Hailstorm.
The Sydney-born luminary made a significant life decision when he transitioned into modelling after retiring from soccer. Equipped with skills gained from the field and an impeccable fashion sensibility, he is now navigating the modelling realm while embracing new opportunities. This past August marked his first TV appearance in “Made in Bondi,” a spin-off of the British reality show “Made in Chelsea.”
DAMAN: Last year, you announced your retirement from soccer to focus on modelling. What motivated this big career move?
Lachlan McLean: My body couldn’t keep up. By the end of 2022, when I made the decision to hang up my boots, I’d had seven 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 stop after soccer. Luckily, my social media was taking off during my last two years of playing and the opportunities were there to make the career change.
Post-retirement was almost like having an identity crisis. I had to rediscover motivation, purpose, and belonging in other areas of life.
DA: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the transition? And how did you overcome them?
LM: Post-retirement was almost like having an identity crisis. Soccer had been my life for 26 years. I had to rediscover motivation, purpose and belonging in other areas of life. However, knowing I had made the right decision for my future is what helped me push past that anxiety. Knowing I was working hard now for a better future. Diving into life in other ways was also a great way to help with the transition. All this spare time I had gave me the opportunity to travel, learn the game of golf and catch up on some parties I’d always missed because of soccer.
DA: In what ways has your experience as a professional athlete influenced your approach to modelling and your personal style?
LM: 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. Sweats, joggers, comfy socks, warm blankets … you get the vibe.
DA: Were there any of your on-field skills that proved to be applicable to modeling?
LM: Sometimes you have to bend into some weird positions in soccer. [Chuckles] Modeling is quite similar. And if there’s ever a modeling shot where I have to pretend to run, I’ll be great there too.
DA: Do you think there any other similarities between soccer and modeling? The discipline, perhaps, or maybe something else entirely?
LM: To be successful at a high level in anything, discipline is the centerpiece. In my opinion, it’s the greatest and the hardest skill to have. Soccer and modeling also share the competitive element. You have to practice hard, stand out and be seen to progress and become bigger and better. All sportsmen and women would agree. Anything competitive is a quick yes to have a crack at.
DA: What have been some of the most memorable moments in your modeling career so far?
LM: My last shoot for DA MAN with Aldrin Del Carmen stands out. The day on El Matador Beach was magical. We created art I’m very proud of that day. Away from this shoot, potentially shooting with the famous Bruce Weber in 2025 is an exciting prospect. I’ve been lucky enough to be on a few websites, and a bucketload of book covers, too.
DA: Let’s talk about the newly-launched reality show, “Made in Bondi,” that you star in. Can you tell us a bit about the premise of the show and your role in it?
LM: “Made in Bondi” is a spinoff from the incredibly successful “Made in Chelsea” airing in the U.K. for the best part of the last 10 years, with some Aussie flare. “Made in Bondi” follows the trials and tribulations of a group of friends navigating friendships, relationships and the beautiful city Sydney is. As for my role, all I’ll say is watch the first few episodes. Get stuck in a precarious situation right off the bat.
DA: All in all, what was it like working on this reality series?
LM: “Made in Bondi” was a bit of everything. Rewarding, draining, eye-opening. Lessons were learnt. Heartbreaks and happiness were present throughout the whole journey. Everything you see is very real. Emotions, arguments, love … you try to be as unapologetically yourself as you can. I was very proud of the series we created and I hope audiences love the show as much as we do.
DA: Did you encounter any unexpected surprises, challenges or other memorable moments while filming “Made in Bondi?”
LM: You’ll see in the promos a trip away to somewhere tropical. Those two weeks were very memorable for myself, both for good and bad reasons. However, unexpected surprises were a regular occurrence; every week something new was going on. The show in itself was so memorable. It was my first proper experience in the TV world. And I loved it.
DA: What advice would you offer to other athletes considering a career change? Especially from sports to modeling?
LM: Two things really. More than likely, people who make it to the professional level have lived and breathed their respective sport for most of their lives. The transition onto the next isn’t easy. Find your support. Have a plan. Realize that unlike sport, plans aren’t always going to be linear. Reach out to loved ones for help as much as you need. Secondly, regret’s an awful thing. Don’t leave the sport you love until you are 110-percent sure the timing is right and you have done all you wanted in the game.
DA: You’ve been part of multiple industries: sports, fashion and now entertainment. How do you manage your time and energy while working across multiple fields and disciplines like this?
LM: I have the worst FOMO, but I’ve learned over time to say “no” when I need to take time for myself. It’s so easy to get so caught up in everything going on, you evidently neglect your health. “You” time is so important to living a long and happy life. My philosophy: Focus on the must dos, balance the less important things with your “you time.”
DA: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your time in the spotlight, whether on the field, in front of the camera or on social media?
LM: For starters and perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learnt, no one’s going to do the work for you. The magic that people are looking for in their lives is usually in the work they are avoiding. Also, understanding that sometimes you can do everything right and still not make it. There’s no journey without lessons, even if the end result isn’t what you wanted. I’ve also learned lessons in how to deal with judgement. Understanding that everyone has an opinion and that you will never be someone everyone likes was eye opening. So, go be you. Be someone you’re proud to come home with every day.
DA: Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
LM: Excitingly, “Made in Bondi” is currently on TV! Channel 7 or 7plus in Australia, Channel 4 in the U.K. I have a few charity events before the year turns which I can’t wait to be a part of. Elsewhere, hang tight. Things are in the works for a big 2025.
DA: Lastly, what are your long-term aspirations for your modeling career?
LM: I have role models in the industry: Michael Yerger, Christian Hogue. I aspire to be like these fellas and want to carve a career like they have. I want to be on the cover of a men’s health magazine one day. I’d love to be the centerpiece of a bigger brand’s campaign. I see it as sky’s the limit. We are just getting started!
Photography & Styling Ronald Liem
Model Lachlan McLean/ Raw Connects Managament
Location Sydney, Australia