Alex Rufer stays at Wellington Phoenix
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Alex Rufer will continue at the only professional football club of his career signing on for a 14th and 15th season at the Wellington Phoenix.
The All Whites midfielder first joined the Phoenix as a teenager in 2013 and is the fourth-most capped player in club history, having played 189 A-League matches, and he has captained the men for the past five seasons.
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The 30-year-old is coming off one of his best years as a player - being named the joint men's player of the season at the club's annual awards night in April, he was voted the men's players' player and his dramatic equaliser against Auckland FC in round seven was chosen by members as the men's goal of the season.
New Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre is "absolutely delighted" Rufer has extended his stay in Wellington.
"Alex is a massive part of this football club," Greenacre said. "And statistically he's been amongst the best midfielders in the A-League for the past few seasons.
"He's so comfortable on the ball, he's got great energy to get around the pitch and his fitness levels leading into the World Cup were some of the highest numbers he's ever produced.
"I had a number of conversations with Alex and really put my heart on the line because I really wanted him to be part of this new era for the Phoenix.
"He, like me, understands where this club needs to get back to. He knows what the Phoenix means to the fans and people that have been around the club for a long time."
Rufer did not take the field for the All Whites at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite being a stalwart of the Phoenix, Rufer battled illness in the 2024-25 A-League season that limited his impact.
Rufer said staying put with the Phoenix was "definitely the best place for me and my family at the moment".
"I've been here for a very long time so there's a lot of feeling and emotion that I have for this club.
"Now being a father and having a young family being at home was very, very important for us. Being comfortable and being happy off the field was a big reason why this all works.
"And I'm really excited and looking forward to the next couple of years under Greeny. We've had some good conversations about the club moving forward and how he wants to play, and I feel like it's my first season again. That's exciting and I can't wait to get started."
Rufer was determined to help turnaround the men's fortunes after a disappointing couple of seasons.
"We'll be doing our best to make sure every week [fans] see an enjoyable brand of football and a team that is willing to die for each other out on the field.
"Our fans can expect a very well organised team that is going to make Hnry Stadium an absolutely horrible place to visit."
Rufer is the 17th men's player contracted to the Wellington Phoenix for the 2026-27 A-League season.