Bill Tuiloma

47-cap All White Bill Tuiloma joined the Wellington Phoenix on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2026 to play professional football in New Zealand for the first time.

After playing his youth football at Birkenhead United, Asia Pacific Football Academy, and Waitakere United, Tuiloma moved to Europe, signing with French giants Marseille in 2013.

His debut in early 2015 saw him become the first ever Kiwi to play in the French top division. 

After a season on loan at Strasbourg, he moved to the USA to join the Portland Timbers in 2017, where he made 120 appearances across six seasons. 

He was traded to Charlotte FC in 2023, playing 37 games before his homecoming back to the Nix in 2026.

Tuiloma made his senior international bow in 2013, at the age of just 18, against Trinidad and Tobago.

He had previously represented New Zealand at age group levels, and captained the U-20 side at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in Aotearoa. 

2024-25 season

Bill Tuiloma featured 13 times across Major League Soccer, the Leagues Cup, and the US Open Cup in 2025.

Despite largely being stuck on the bench for a Charlotte FC side that finished as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, he was able to contribute when he did play, scoring in all three competitions. 

His return to Aotearoa is an exciting moment. 

“Outside of a handful of games for the All Whites I haven’t played in front of my family in New Zealand.

“It’s special to be able to come home and be able to play in front of not only a big crowd of Phoenix fans, but my family as well.

“I want to be ready to rock and roll for the Phoenix.”