Ellie Walker

Ellie Walker is returning for a second season with the Wellington Phoenix after being announced as the women’s second visa signing for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League.

The American centre back was born in Portland and played 82 matches over five seasons at Portland University.

After graduating from college, Walker joined SCU Torreense in Portugal’s top division in 2022 and played two seasons with them before moving to SC Braga.

She started 25 matches for Braga helped them qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a third-place finish in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino.

Walker made 25 appearances for Braga and played 90 minutes in each of them.

She joined the Phoenix in June 2025.

> 2025-26 season

Ellie Walker was one of the pillars of the Wellington Phoenix women’s team’s league-leading defence during their historic Ninja A-League campaign.

Walker played every minute of the women’s 23 matches, including the grand final.

The Phoenix only conceded 17 goals in 20 regular season games, the fewest in the league.

Walker signed a one-year contract extension with the club in March.

“I feel like I’m at home. Someone is going to have to kick me out of here!

“Wellington itself is just a great place to live and be. It kind of reminds me of home, minus the wind!

“I think it’s cool to have the chance to stay at a place for another year, especially when you’re happy and you like where you are.”