Isaac Hughes

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 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Hughes started three of New Zealand’s four matches at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

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.

Hughes was regularly involved in the Nix first team squad during the 2023-24 A-League, making 11 appearances.

Three of his four starts came in February when the team went unbeaten and fans voted him the A-League men’s player of the month.

The New Zealand U-20 international was named as a travelling reserve in the OlyWhites squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but did not feature.

> 2024-25 season

Isaac Hughes signed a three year contract extension with the Wellington Phoenix ahead of his second pro season, tying him to the club until the end of the 2027-28 A-League.

Hughes was ever-present alongside Scott Wootton in the heart of the Phoenix defence, starting 24 of the team’s 26 league matches.

He scored his first A-League goal at Sky Stadium on Waitangi Day when the Nix drew 1-1 with Brisbane Roar.

Hughes also found the back of the net at Adelaide United in April.