Wellington Phoenix have continued their fruitful Ninja A-League off-season with the signing of New Zealand international goalkeeper Victoria Esson on a one-season deal.
The 34-year-old Football Ferns shot-stopper is set for her first season in the Ninja A-League after a six-year stint in Europe, which began at Norwegian club Avaldsnes in 2019; after three years in Norway, Esson joined German side SC Sand before signing for Rangers in 2022.
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While at Rangers, Esson won five trophies playing alongside Dutch midfielder and fellow Phoenix signing Tessel Middag; Esson and Middag are two of three senior internationals to have joined Wellington this off-season, along with Dominican Republic captain and former Adelaide United star Lucia Leon.
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“I’m grateful for the opportunity the Phoenix have provided me to come home and continue to play professional football,” Esson said, after confirmation of her Phoenix contract.
“It’s amazing that young Kiwis can now aspire to play for a New Zealand team in the A-League.
“For me it’s still a bit unimaginable being able to play professionally in my home country.
“It’s going to be the first time my family and friends will be able to watch me play games at club level on a weekly basis. It’s pretty exciting that this is about to become my reality.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I hope we can make it a season to remember.”
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Esson has accrued 28 international caps for New Zealand since debuting for the Football Ferns in 2017.
A two-time World Cup squad member (2019 and 2023) and one-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020), Esson started all of New Zealand’s three group-stage games at the 2023 World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Ahead of Esson’s first season in the Ninja A-League, Phoenix interim head coach Amy Shepherd expressed her delight at securing the statement transfer.
“She brings a wealth of experience from the international stage — including FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games — as well as from top-level club football, most recently with Rangers FC,” Shepherd said.
“Vic’s leadership from the back and her passion for driving both this club and the women’s game forward in Aotearoa are qualities that will be vital for the 2025-2026 season.
“She brings a winning mindset and high-performance standards, shaped by her recent successes.
“As a goalkeeper, she is courageous, commanding, and proactive — always ready to take charge of her box.
“We are excited to welcome her back home to New Zealand!”
