Victoria Esson

Vic Esson signed a one-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix in June after seven seasons in Europe.

The Football Ferns goalkeeper left New Zealand in 2019 in order to realise her dream of playing professional football.

Esson joined Avaldnesss in Norway’s Toppserien and was a mainstay in goal for the best part of three seasons.

She signed with SC Sand in the women’s Bundesliga in 2021 but after a season in Germany moved to Rangers FC in Scotland.

Esson spent three seasons in Glasgow, making more than 50 appearances and winning five trophies.

She made her Football Ferns debut in 2017 and in recent years has established herself as a regular in the national squad.

Esson was in goal for all three of New Zealand’s matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after being a squad member in 2019.

She is also a two-time Olympian.

> 2024-25 season

Victoria Esson was again a regular in goal for Rangers FC in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Rangers finished third in the league but won the SWPL Cup for the third year running.

Esson was off contract at the end of the season and was impressed by the Phoenix’s vision.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity the Phoenix have provided me to come home and continue to play professional football.

“It’s amazing that young Kiwis can now aspire to play for a New Zealand team in the A-League.

“For me it’s still a bit unimaginable being able to play professionally in my home country.

“It’s going to be the first time my family and friends will be able to watch me play games at club level on a weekly basis. It’s pretty exciting that this is about to become my reality.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I hope we can make it a season to remember.”