Isaac Hughes

DOB 25/3/04

Isaac Hughes was one of four Wellington Phoenix academy players to graduate to the first team ahead of the 2023-24 A-League.

The combative centre back signed a two-year professional deal with the Phoenix in September 2023, joining reserves teammates Lukas Kelly-Heald, Fin Conchie and Luke Supyk in securing first team contracts.

Hughes was born in Warrington, England and spent time at the Bolton and Crewe academies before his family moved to New Zealand when he was 10 years old.

He joined the Phoenix academy in 2019 from Kapiti Coast United and captained the reserves for the past two seasons after making his debut late in 2021.

Hughes led the reserves to a third-place finish in the 2022 Central League, starting 16 of their 18 league matches.

He made his first team debut as a second-half substitute in the round of 16 Australia Cup match against Melbourne City in August 2023.

> 2023-24 season

Isaac Hughes was regularly involved in the Wellington Phoenix first team squad, making eleven appearances, including four starts.

He was often substituted on to help the Nix close out games, and rarely looked out of place.

An excellent February saw the Phoenix go unbeaten, with Hughes starting three of the team’s four games and excelling at the heart of the defence.

As a result, fans voted him as the A-League men’s player of the month.

He signed a three year contract extension in September 2024, tying him to the Nix until the end of the 2027-28 season.

“It’s good to get a long-term deal sorted,” Hughes said. “It means I have more time guaranteed to live my dream.

“I wanted to re-sign with the Nix because of the staff we have and the culture we have.

“I want to start every game and build a partnership with whoever is next to me.”

Isaac Hughes was also named as a travelling reserve in the New Zealand squad for the Paris Olympics but did not feature.