Nick Maan, who attended Lakeside College, died after he was found unresponsive in waters at Mordialloc beach.
About 4pm, the 17-year-old went missing while swimming with friends, and he was found by police shortly after.
The teen played football for Pakenham Lions Junior Football Club and was set to join Gippsland Power next year.
His distraught dad told 9News that his son was a passionate footballer.
“He was a kind person and a good son,” Maan Maan said.
“He put his life into football, he about to go to Gippsland football team and worked hard, he was a fine person.”
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His aunt, Anyieth Maan, said he was a lovely young man who would be greatly missed.
“He was a gentle giant,” she said.
“He was a sportsman, he worked really hard for his age and he was a great role model.”
Nick leaves behind five siblings. His mother is due to give birth again in two weeks.
His death is the third water tragedy for the state in two days.
