Zoe McMeeken

DOB 11/3/04

> History

McMeeken was the youngest member of the inaugural women’s squad at 17, having joined the Phoenix from Lincoln High School.

The athletic fullback previously played for the Canterbury United Pride, who won a third successive national title in 2020, and represented New Zealand at secondary school and under-16 level.

McMeeken was part of the New Zealand U-17 side that finished second at the international women’s youth football tournament in China in 2019.

She was selected to attend the 2019 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, but it was postponed to 2020 due to the measles outbreak, then cancelled due to Covid.

Despite her age, McMeeken was a key member of the women’s team in their maiden campaign, starting all but one of their matches.

She was rewarded with selection in the New Zealand squad for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

McMeeken came off the bench in all three of the Junior Football Ferns’ group matches and will still be eligible to play for the team at the next U-20 World Cup in 2024.

Her next season was more limited, as she only appeared in seven matches, six off the bench.

She opted to remain in Wellington and play for the club’s reserves during the offseason, playing at left back with plenty of attacking license.

McMeeken signed a two-year extension in August 2023.

> 2023-24 season

Zoe McMeeken was a fan favourite during the 23-24 season, making trademark bombarding runs down the flanks.

Deployed on both the right and left sides of defence, McMeeken made a strong impression, starting nine games and coming off the bench in another seven.

She was then picked in the Junior Football Ferns squad for her second FIFA U-20 World Cup.

McMeeken started all three matches in Colombia as New Zealand were knocked out at the group stage.