Carolina Vilão

DOB – 18/12/00

Carolina Vilão was the Wellington Phoenix women’s team’s first new signing for the 2024-25 Ninja A-League.

The Portuguese goalkeeper joined the Phoenix from S.L. Benfica where she won eight trophies, including four Portuguese league titles and played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Vilão spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Valadares Gaia F.C. to get some first experience.

She was Portugal’s starting goalkeeper at both U-17 and U-23 level.

> 2023-24 season

Carolina Vilão had to bide her time as the number two ‘keeper at Benfica.

She was in goal for Portugal’s U-23 internationals against Finland and England in April this year.

Vilão hopes the Phoenix can help launch her career.

“It’s time for me to move on so I can grow a little bit more,” she said.

“I was at Benfica for six years and I grew a lot because I went there as a young player and now I’ve become a woman.

“It was a good experience playing for the under-23 national team and playing in the women’s Champions League and maybe one day I’ll come back to do that again.

“But now it’s time to be great in another place. I’m looking to further my career and do the best I can for the Phoenix.

“I want this move to be a success and hopefully it’ll be good for both sides, me and the club.”