Wellington Phoenix have re-signed Lebanon international defender Tiana Jaber on a two-year deal set to run until the end of the Ninja A-League 2026-27 season.
The 25-year-old initially joined the ‘Nix on an injury replacement contract midway through the 2023-24 campaign but has since become an integral first-team member.
In early 2025, the Australian-born defender became a senior Lebanon international; eligible to represent the nation through her father, Jaber is now eager to continue to excel for both club and country and emphasised Wellington’s support of her international career as a key reason for her recommittment to the club on a two-year deal.
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“I love that the Phoenix wants me to stay for the next two seasons,” Jaber said.
“It makes me feel so proud of everything I’ve achieved and that they back my footballing ability, so I really want to give back to the club.
“I do still have the ambition to go overseas and explore and the Phoenix feels like it’s a step in the right direction.”
“The staff and the way that they look after us players set the club apart. It’s honestly incredible. The staff are still in touch with us throughout the off-season and giving us all of the info we need.
“I can’t see any other club on this side of the world looking after their players like that.
“On top of that there’s a great vibe within the team and we have amazing facilities at NZCIS.”
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“I definitely have unfinished business with the club,” Jaber added. “I love the club, the country and the fans and I really want to win the league with the Phoenix.
“With all of the new signings… it was absolutely a no-brainer to stay in Wellington. I see myself growing and becoming a better footballer and person with the Phoenix.”
Jaber is the fourth player to re-sign with the club this off-season, joining Emma Main (2026-27), Mackenzie Barry (2025-26) and Grace Jale (2025-26) in extending her stay in New Zealand.
Menawhile, experienced international quintet Lucia Leon, Ellie Walker, Tessel Middag, Victoria Esson and Sabitra Bhandari have all arrived at the club in an impressive start to the off-season from Wellington and interim head coach Amy Shepherd.
“We are excited to have Tiana return following an impressive season, during which she displayed tremendous passion and intensity in representing the Phoenix,” Shepherd said.
“Her desire to continuously grow and improve as a player is something we greatly value.
“We look forward to supporting her ongoing development, both at club level and as a national team player for Lebanon.”
