Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the departure of club legend Kosta Barbarouses.
The 35-year-old, who top scored for the Nix this season with 10 goals in 26 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances, turned down an offer to extend his contract and informed the club he will be playing elsewhere in season 2025-26.
Barbarouses has enjoyed a career renaissance in his third stint with the Phoenix, scoring 23 goals in 54 A-Leagues matches and earning a recall to New Zealand’s national team.
Earlier this month he became the first three-time winner of the Phoenix Men’s Player of the Year award, scooping five gongs at the club’s awards night.
The four-time A-League champion signed off by scoring the match-winner in Wellington’s Australia Cup playoff against Brisbane Roar in Darwin last week.
“The three years I’ve spent with the Phoenix in my home town have been very special to me,” Barbarouses said.
“I’m grateful to the fans, the squad and many of the staff members for everything.
“The decision to leave has been a very difficult one to make and I wish the Phoenix all the best in the future.”
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Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill said the club did all it could to keep hold of Barbarouses.
“Kosta has had two of the best seasons of his career at the Phoenix and we believed he was in the best place to secure selection in the All Whites’ World Cup squad,” Gill said.
“In recognition of his performances over the past two seasons we tabled what we believed was a very competitive contract offer.
“We’re disappointed he’s turned down our contract extension, but we respect his decision and thank him for all of his contributions to the club.”
It will be interesting to see where Barbarouses ends up next season, particularly with the veteran striker set to compete for a spot in New Zealand’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
