The Wellington Phoenix are delighted to have kept hold of another key member of the women’s history-making side.
The Phoenix have re-signed Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League.
Esson started 22 of the team’s 23 matches in her maiden season in Wellington, including last month’s grand final, and kept eight clean sheets, twice as many as any other Nix ‘keeper in the team’s five-year history.
She is already the 13th women’s player on the club’s books for next season.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says it was a priority to extend Esson’s contract.
“I’m delighted to re-sign someone of Vic’s calibre with the leadership and experience she brings to the team,” Priestman said.
“Her experience and leadership really shone through in big moments and she made some critical saves for the team, including in the away leg of the semi-final against the Brisbane Roar.
“Vic kept us in the semi-final and gave us the opportunity to go enjoy an incredible moment with the fans at Porirua Park and create history by qualifying for the grand final.
“She has been part of the leadership group this season and a big contributor to the team so I can’t wait to have her back next season when the standards will need to go up again for everyone.”
Victoria Esson says it was an easy decision to re-sign with the Phoenix as she feels she has unfinished business in Wellington.
“You get that close, you get a taste of it and you want more,” Esson said. “We came second in the league and second in the finals.
“We’re going to have to work really hard to get ourselves into a position where we’re able to compete for the title again, and it won’t be easy.
“I definitely think that’s achievable with the squad we’ve retained and the coaching staff we’ve got.”
Esson also “really enjoyed being back in New Zealand and being around Kiwis again” after seven seasons in Europe.
“I love Kiwis, I love New Zealand and the nature is beautiful. We have an amazing training facility out in the hills.
“For me it was pretty grounding being back in New Zealand. I was able to see my family a lot more than I have in the last few years.
“There is a lot of travel to Australia playing for the Phoenix, but it’s what we signed up for playing for this team.
“I can’t wait to spend another year back near my family and friends while playing the sport that I love.”
And she hopes the fans that turned out in record numbers last season keep supporting the team.
“Thank you to the fans who braved all the weather, including the horizontal rain in February, and we’d love for you to come back next season.
“I loved playing at Porirua Park. It’s amazing to play in the big stadiums but Porirua Park has that family feel to it and we can make it our own and make it hostile for other teams to come to.
“It’s great signing all of the autographs for the kids after the game and seeing all the smiles on their faces.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase football in Wellington and across New Zealand and I look forward to getting involved in that again next season.”
