Paulo Retre

Paulo Retre was one of Giancarlo Italiano’s first signings for the 2024-25 season.

The Australian midfielder left Indian Super League side FC Goa in July to return to the A-League, joining the Nix on a two-year contract.

Retre is a two-time A-League champion and played almost 200 matches in the competition for Melbourne City and Sydney FC before arriving in Wellington.

He made his professional debut for City, then called Melbourne Heart, at the start of the 2013-14 season and made a further three appearances in his maiden campaign.

Retre featured 15 times for City the following season, including their finals win over the Phoenix in Wellington.

He played a further two seasons in his hometown before joining Sydney FC in 2017.

Retre enjoyed six years at the Sky Blues, highlighted by winning the A-League in 2019 and 2020.

He joined Indian Super League club FC Goa in July 2023 and went on to make 23 appearances for the club.

> 2024-25 season

Paulo Retre had to wait until round four to make his Wellington Phoenix debut after picking up a groin injury in pre-season.

Retre started the next 12 matches and scored his first goal for the Phoenix in December to help the club to a 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets at Sky Stadium.

Injuries hampered him over the second half of the season limiting him to seven further appearances, mainly as a substitute.

Retre memorably scored a goal of the season contender against Melbourne Victory in April, but unfortunately suffered an injury in the act of shooting.