The Wellington Phoenix have made another statement signing in the Ninja A-League off-season.
The Phoenix have signed former Dutch international Tessel Middag, joining Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and American defender Ellie Walker as the women’s first three new additions for the 2025-26 A-League.
Middag, 32, has spent the past four seasons at Rangers FC in Scotland, where she won six trophies, after also lifting silverware in England and the Netherlands.
She has been capped 44 times by her country at senior level and played at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is thrilled to have signed a player of Middag’s calibre.
“We are delighted to welcome Tessel to the Wellington Phoenix whānau,” Shepherd said.
“Tessel brings a wealth of experience to the club, having earned more than 40 caps for the Netherlands and played for some of the top clubs and leagues in the world — including Ajax, Manchester City, West Ham, Fiorentina and most recently Rangers FC.
“Her technical quality and leadership are qualities we’re excited to add to the team.
“A versatile player, Tessel has spent much of her career in midfield, while recently excelling as a centre back at Rangers.
“Her passing range, combined with her ability to create and score goals, will be a tremendous asset.
“Off the pitch, Tessel is known for her humility and work ethic.
“She will no doubt help unlock the potential of our top young talents and bring invaluable experience and a winning mentality to key moments, having already lifted silverware at the highest levels.”
Tessel Middag hopes her wealth of experience can help the Phoenix and her new teammates.
“That was one of the things that excited me when I spoke to Amy,” Middag said. “I would love to win something with this club and be part of the first Phoenix team to lift a trophy.
“At all of the clubs I’ve played for we’ve competed for trophies and I want to be able to do that in Wellington.”
As well as being a decorated footballer, Middag has a Master of Arts degree in history and uses her voice to draw attention to social issues such as climate change, equality and racism.
The fact the Phoenix women have access to the world class facilities at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) was a massive pull for her.
“During initial discussions with the Phoenix, I asked about the facilities, how many fulltime staff members there are, what the training surface is like and those kinds of things.
“I learnt that the Phoenix have extremely good facilities. I haven’t been able to see them with my own eyes yet, but NZCIS looks amazing on the videos and the pictures.
“I’m quite excited about the daily interaction between the different sports teams at NZCIS, whether it’s football, rugby or any other sport.”
Middag has a couple of other reasons for deciding to move to the other side of the world to play in the A-League.
“It seems to be a very competitive league. After four years at Rangers I was looking to find a new league where every game is tough and you can win or lose, and it seems like the A-League can offer that.
“Additionally, my girlfriend is from New Zealand so playing for the Phoenix is an attractive opportunity for me on and off the field.
“Being from the Netherlands comes with its challenges. I’ve been playing abroad for nine years, but I’ve always been one flight away from my family and friends.
“It was a bit of a process for me to emotionally make the move, but I’ve decided to do it and embrace the adventure.
“I’m excited to go to New Zealand, explore the country and understand what Kiwi and Māori culture is all about.”
Tessel Middag is the 12th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.
