Latest news with #AllWhites
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former All White Marco Rojas announces retirement
Marco Rojas of New Zealand All Whites. Photo: Former All Whites and Wellington Phoenix player Marco Rojas has announced his retirement from professional football. The 33-year-old New Zealand international made 155 A-League appearances over 16 years, with stints at the Phoenix, Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar. He also played for clubs in Europe and South America. The All Whites winger returned to Wellington for the 2024-25 season but injuries meant he made just seven appearances before the mutual agreement to terminate his contract three months early. Earlier this month Rojas returned briefly to his former club Victory to take part in pre-season training. "Now I can put the curiosity to bed, and acknowledge that it's time for me to move on. I am ready. I will not be playing anymore week in and week out like the professionals do," Rojas told A-Leagues. "I'm yet to know what type of football I might play down the line, although I really love the idea of keeping fit for the odd charity or community game." Rojas played 45 times for the All Whites after making his debut in 2011. He won the Johnny Warren Medal following the 2012-23 A-League season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Football: All Whites defender Liberato Cacace joins Wrexham on three-year deal
All Whites defender Liberato Cacace has signed with Wrexham AFC on the eve of their friendly clash with the Wellington Phoenix. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have splashed the cash for the 24-year-old, with reports saying the Welsh club has paid a transfer fee of around $8.9m for
News.com.au
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
A-League players will find it tough to be selected in Socceroos squad for September games against New Zealand
A-League players will find it tough to be selected in the Socceroos squad for September's friendlies against New Zealand due to a lack of competitive football. Socceroos coach Tony Popovic hasn't been afraid to pick A-League players since his appointment nine months ago. However, Popovic admitted Australia-based players would find it harder make the squad for the games against the All Whites on September 5 in Canberra and four days later in Auckland due to the A-League season not set to start until October. 'I wouldn't say no player can be picked from the A-League, because they'll be assessed accordingly, but especially for the September window, I think it gives a lot of the boys that are overseas that have already started the beginning of July … more of an opportunity,' he said. "The players that were in the national team, they haven't done anything since June, and the players that finished the A-League season, it was April, May – it's a long time not to play a competitive game. 'Pre-season in Europe, after 10 days, you're playing pre-season games, you're getting games under your belt, and then in August, you start your season. 'We should have boys that have played anything from two to eight competitive games before they get to the September window, so I'd say, if you look at that alone, it would put them a little bit ahead of any A-League players.' Australia's squad that sealed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in June with wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia included nine players – Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Anthony Caceres, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin – who had just finished their 2024-25 A-League campaign. Of the nine, only Behich, Borrello, Caceres, Taggart and Trewin are set to remain in the A-League for the 2025-26 season, with Arzani (Ferencváros, Hungary), Bos (Mainz 05, Germany), and Teague (KV Mechelen, Belgium) having signed with overseas clubs and Tilio having returned to Scottish champions Celtic following the end of his loan deal with Melbourne City. The Socceroos' matches in the October international window against the USA and Canada will also take place before the A-League season kicks off. However, Popovic suggested more A-League players would be considered for those two games, particularly with the Australia Cup to provide a competitive outlet before the start of regular season fixtures. The games against New Zealand could also allow Popovic to give uncapped attacking weapons Nicolas Milanovic (Aberdeen, Scotland), Noah Botic (Austria Vienna, Austria) and Adrian Segecic (Porstmouth) – who all starred in the A-League last season before moving abroad – their Socceroos debuts. 'My advice to them would be to focus on your football and focus on playing well. The national team happens on its own,' he said. 'I know that these players will improve by being overseas, and that's great for the national team.'
RNZ News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
All White Tommy Smith leaves Auckland FC
Auckland FC's Tommy Smith takes a team photo. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Auckland FC vice-captain Tommy Smith has left the A-League club after one season to return to the United Kingdom. The club said the centre-back made the decision to depart "in order to devote more time and support to his young family". Smith has two children with his wife Leanne. The All White made 25 appearances for Auckland FC last season, including 12 starts, and helped guide the team to a historic milestone as the first New Zealand side to lift A-League silverware . "It's been an incredible year in Auckland, and I was able to lift silverware. That's something I'll carry with me forever," Smith said. "The team, staff and fans made me feel so welcome returning back to Auckland. I'm truly grateful to have played a part in such a special first chapter for this club. It was a difficult decision to leave such a special city. "From the first day of pre-season, the journey we shared has been unforgettable. There's a real sense of pride in what we built together. The fans created an atmosphere and community that made it feel like home. They've truly reignited the passion for football in Auckland." With a career spanning the English Championship, Major League Soccer, and the international stage with the All Whites, Smith brought a wealth of international and professional experience into the squad. His influence extended beyond the pitch as he was recognised by The Port as their "Hero of the Year" for his contribution to the fans. Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said Smith had been a leader on and off the field. "He bought into the vision of what we're building at Auckland FC." Club chief executive officer Nick Becker said Smith would always be remembered as a "proud member" of our inaugural squad. "He is part of a team that made history and will be remembered with fondness. We completely respect his decision to depart, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future." Auckland FC play their first pre-season game on 22 July and play their first Australia Cup game on 29 July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
All Whites defender Liberato Cacace set to sign with Wrexham
New Zealand's Liberato Cacace. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / All Whites defender Liberato Cacace appears set for a move across Europe. A report in Italy said the 24 year old is on the move from Italy to Wales. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said "Liberato Cacace's move to Wrexham is a done deal." Cacace currently plays from Italian side Empoli and is under contract with them until next year, but the club was relegated from Serie A and were open to a permanent move for the 24 year old. Di Marzio said the deal was thought to be around NZ$4.7 million plus bonuses. Wrexham, who have gained three successive promotions and will play in the English Championship this year, are currently in Wellington preparing to take on Cacace's former club the Phoenix this weekend. If confirmed Cacace will play at the now famous Racecourse Ground in Wrexham and could be set to appear on the Welcome to Wrexham television programme which was produced after the club was bought by Hollywood par Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After leaving Wellington in 2020 Cacace played in Belgium for two years before heading to Italy. The left back/wing has played 33 times for the All Whites and was a key member of the side that qualified for next year's FIFA World Cup. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
