Lukas Kelly-Heald

DOB 18/05/05

Lukas Kelly-Heald joined the men for the start of pre-season training in July 2023 after signing a landmark four-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix. It is the longest contract in club history.

The 1.98m tall defender, who is comfortable playing as a left-sided centre back or fullback, is a born and bred Wellingtonian. He played his junior football at Island Bay United and spent one season at North Wellington before joining the Phoenix academy at the start of 2021.

Kelly-Heald made his debut for the reserves in August 2021 before becoming a regular in Chris Greenacre’s starting XI the following year. He featured in all 18 matches for the reserves in the 2022 Central League.

His performances earned him selection in the New Zealand squad for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Tahiti. Despite being one of the youngest players in the group he started four of New Zealand’s six matches, including the semi-final and final, playing 90 minutes each time.

At the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, Kelly-Heald established himself as a key member of the starting XI in Argentina and missed just one of New Zealand’s four matches when he was rested.

His twin brother Alby is the first team’s back-up goalkeeper.

> 2023-24 season

Lukas Kelly-Heald was a regular in the Phoenix lineup, starting 18 games and featuring in another five from the bench.

Mainly playing at left back, but deputising occasionally at centre back, he was the youngest defender in the A-League to be a regular starter.

He was a key player for most of the campaign but lost his place to Sam Sutton late on in the season.

As well as his defensive responsibilities, he managed to provide two assists.

His breakout season led to a maiden international call up, where he featured for the All Whites during their successful OFC Nations Cup campaign.

Kelly-Heald then represented New Zealand at the Paris Olympics, featuring in all three games.