CJ Bott

CJ Bott signed a two-year contract with her hometown club in August 2025 after eight years playing professionally in Europe.

The Football Ferns fullback left New Zealand as a 22-year-old in 2017 and first signed with USV Jena in Germany.

Bott moved to Sweden the following year to join Vittsjö GIK and after a couple of seasons there signed with Vålerenga in Norway.

She joined Leicester City in 2022 and spent three years with the Foxes in the Women’s Super League.

Bott has also been a Football Fern since 2014.

She has part of the Ferns squad at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups and is also a two-time Olympian.

Bott started all three of New Zealand’s group matches at the 2023 World Cup and at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

> 2024-25 season

CJ Bott featured in 17 of Leicester City’s matches in the Women’s Super League, 14 of which were starts.

The Foxes finished 10^th in the 12 team competition.

Bott was off contract at the end of the season and had a few options to stay in Europe before signing a two-year deal with the Phoenix.

“To be able to come back to Wellington and play professionally for the Phoenix in my hometown is really special.

“I didn’t have that dream when I was a kid. We didn’t have a women’s team to aspire to.

“So I feel very grateful to be given this opportunity now and I’m proud to be part of the club.

“It’s clear to see the investment in the women’s team. There are some great players joining the Phoenix and with the backing of Bev it’s a really exciting time.”