The Wellington Phoenix have recognised their standout players, staff, volunteers and fans at the club’s annual awards night at Fraser Park.
The women’s most capped player Mackenzie Barry has received the prestigious Lloyd Morrison Spirit of the Phoenix award, while teammate Grace Jale has won the Entelar and OPPO women’s player of the year.
For the first time in club history the men’s award has been shared with club captain Alex Rufer and Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze named the Entelar and OPPO men’s players of the year.
Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison presented Barry the Lloyd Morrison Spirit of the Phoenix award for her incredible work ethic, which has set the standard for the women’s team this season.
“This is incredible,” Barry said. “I’m so proud of my team and myself this season, and my long journey I’ve had here at the Phoenix.
“I’ve grown so much and have really come to love football and this club a lot.
“It’s hard to put my feelings into words. It was a little bit emotional. I know people who have received this award in the past and they’re iconic Phoenix people, so I’m super happy.”
On top of being voted the women’s player of the year, Jale was also named the players’ player of the season.
“It’s pretty amazing,’ Jale said. “I definitely would say I expected it at all. I’m honestly just really proud of myself.
“I appreciate the support from my teammates, especially going into the finals. I know they respect me and are all backing me, which is pretty awesome.”
English winger Brooke Nunn was voted the members’ and media women’s player of the year and shared the women’s golden boot with young Football Ferns forward Pia Vlok, who was named the members’ under-23 player of the year.
The members and the media also deemed Eze to be their men’s player of the year, and he won the men’s golden boot with 10 goals.
“This means everything to me,” Eze said. “It means my hard work on the pitch has been noticed.
“I’m happy to win the awards and I’m happy to have been named player of the year with Rufer. He’s been amazing this season. He’s been a leader on the pitch and is a very good friend to me as well.
“I also want to thank my teammates as well. Without them we couldn’t have own this award. I thank them for the passes, the hard work and everything on the field.”
On top of sharing the men’s player of the year award, Rufer was named the players’ player and members voted his equaliser against Auckland FC in round seven the goal of the season.
“I’m extremely proud,” Rufer said. “I’m very thankful for all of the staff, the players and the fans.
“This club means a lot to me. I’ve been here a long time and wearing the shirt is not something I take for granted.
“Eze’s had a great season. He’s a top, top guy, I’ve enjoyed playing with him and he deserves what he’s got.”
Young centre back Isaac Hughes was named the members’ player of the year.
Wellington Phoenix 2025-26 season award winners:
Fan of the year – Glen Williams
Volunteers of the year – Steven Janes & Paul Ashworth
Staff members of the year – Sam Wilkins & Georgia Jury-Putter
Members’ under-23 players of the year – Pia Vlok and Isaac Hughes
Members’ players of the year – Brooke Nunn and Ifeanyi Eze
Women’s goal of the year – Macey Fraser (Rd 5 vs Central Coast Mariners)
Men’s goal of the year – Alex Rufer (Rd 7 vs Auckland FC)
Golden boots – Brooke Nunn and Pia Vlok (6) & Ifeanyi Eze (10)
Media players of the year – Brooke Nunn and Ifeanyi Eze
Players’ players of the year – Grace Jale & Alex Rufer
Entelar & OPPO women’s player of the year – Grace Jale
Entelar & OPPO men’s players of the year – Alex Rufer & Ifeanyi Eze
Lloyd Morrison Spirit of the Phoenix award – Mackenzie Barry
