The Wellington Phoenix are thrilled to announce Alex Rufer has committed to a remarkable 14th and 15th seasons with the club.
The All Whites midfielder, who has worn the no. 14 shirt since joining the Phoenix as a teenager in 2013, has signed a two-year contract extension.
Rufer is the fourth-most capped player in Nix history, having played 189 A-League matches, and he has captained the men for the past five seasons.
The 30-year-old is coming off one of his best years as a player. On top of being named the joint men’s player of the season at the club’s annual awards night in April, he was voted the men’s players’ player and his dramatic equaliser against Auckland FC in round seven was chosen by members as the men’s goal of the season.
Phoenix head coach Chris Grenacre is “absolutely delighted” Rufer has extended his stay in Wellington.
“Alex is a massive part of this football club,” Greenacre said. “And statistically he’s been amongst the best midfielders in the A-League for the past few seasons.
“He’s so comfortable on the ball, he’s got great energy to get around the pitch and his fitness levels leading into the World Cup were some of the highest numbers he’s ever produced.
“I had a number of conversations with Alex and really put my heart on the line because I really wanted him to be part of this new era for the Phoenix.
“He, like me, understands where this club needs to get back to. He knows what the Phoenix means to the fans and people that have been around the club for a long time.
“So I’m really, really happy that he’s extended his contract.”
Alex Rufer is proud to have been at the Nix since 2013 and is “very happy” to have extended his stay.
“Wellington is definitely the best place for me and my family at the moment,” Rufer said. “I’ve been here for a very long time so there’s a lot of feeling and emotion that I have for this club.
“Now being a father and having a young family being at home was very, very important for us.
“Being comfortable and being happy off the field was a big reason why this all works.
“And I’m really excited and looking forward to the next couple of years under Greeny.
“We’ve had some good conversations about the club moving forward and how he wants to play, and I feel like it’s my first season again. That’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”
And Rufer’s determined to help turnaround the men’s fortunes after a disappointing couple of seasons.
“The most important people at this club are the fans and we need to give them something to look forward to every week.
“We’ll be doing our best to make sure every week they see an enjoyable brand of football and a team that is willing to die for each other out on the field.
“Our fans can expect a very well organised team that is going to make Hnry Stadium an absolutely horrible place to visit.
“The best teams we’ve had here at the Phoenix have always made Hnry Stadium a horrible place to come and that’s something we have to bring back.
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with all the fans and everyone at the club to make sure we’re all pulling in the right direction to make that happen.”
Alex Rufer is the 17th men’s player contracted to the Wellington Phoenix for the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League season and further squad announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Rufer rejoined the first team for training this morning (Monday, July 27), having had some time off since the All Whites’ FIFA World Cup campaign concluded last month.
