The Wellington Phoenix will have a new group of visa players for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League.
The Phoenix can confirm Portuguese goalkeeper Carolina Vilão, English striker Olivia Fergusson, Americans Maya McCutcheon and Alivia Kelly and Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka will not be returning to Wellington next season.
Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Vilão, Fergusson, McCutcheon, Kelly and Tanaka for their contributions to the club during the 2024-25 campaign.
“All five had a positive impact on the team, on and off the pitch,” Gill said.
“Fergie was our top goal scorer last season, while Maya, Alivia and Mebae all scored their maiden A-League goals for the club and Carolina kept four clean sheets, which is level for the most in the team’s history.
“They were also popular members of the dressing room and helped contribute to a great team culture.
“We wish them all the best with the next steps in their professional careers and will follow them with interest.”
Vilão started all 23 of the Phoenix’s matches during the 2024-25 season and on top of keeping four clean sheets she saved penalties against Adelaide United and Melbourne City.
“I’ll be forever thankful to the Phoenix as the club gave me the joy of playing football again,” Vilão said.
“I want to say thank you to the staff and the players, but most importantly all of the Nix supporters for being there every game in Wellington and in Australia. It always felt like home!
“Getting to know New Zealand was the best experience of my life and I came to really appreciate the beauty of this country.”
McCutcheon was also an ever-present member of the Nix starting XI last season and was substituted just three times.
She scored her maiden professional goal in November to secure Wellington a 1-0 win over Adelaide United in Sydney and also found the back of the net against Melbourne Victory at Porirua Park in February.
“Playing in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix was a unique and valuable experience,” McCutcheon said.
“I’m grateful for the passionate fans who made every game memorable and the opportunity to be part of the club’s journey. Thank you for the support throughout the season.”
Fergusson was the team’s golden boot, scoring five goals in 22 appearances.
She also provided assists for goals in the Phoenix’s wins over Adelaide and Brisbane in November and December.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Phoenix and the fans,” Fergusson said.
“I fell in love with the club and the city and hopefully in the future I can return to the Phoenix in some capacity.
“I wish the players and the coaching staff all the best for this season.”
Kelly made 19 appearances for the Nix after arriving in Wellington in December and scored her first professional goal against Western Sydney Wanderers in January.
“I’m very grateful for my time in Welly and all the people I met,” she said.
Tanaka also featured 19 times for the Phoenix last season and scored a goal of the season contender against Wanderers in March.
“I’m so grateful I came to Wellington and met so many wonderful people,” she said.
“I’ll always be part of the Phoenix family!”
The Wellington Phoenix have already signed experienced Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and American defender Ellie Walker for the 2025-26 campaign and will announce a fourth visa signing in the near future.
