Auckland FC has claimed the title of Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers in their debut season, marking a significant milestone not only for the club but for all of New Zealand.
The celebration held on Sunday night, attended by over 24,000 ecstatic supporters, was the culmination of a modern football fairytale.
Incredibly, just 409 days after their establishment, the Black Knights secured their first major trophy—well ahead of the ambitious three-year timeline set by owner Bill Foley before the season began. They also made history as the first New Zealand team to finish atop the league in 48 years of Australia’s highest division.
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This season’s finale was the perfect climax to a campaign filled with historic achievements from the very start.
In their inaugural year, Steve Corica’s squad has set records for: the best start to a season by a new club (6 straight wins), the longest duration without conceding a goal (532 minutes), and the largest domestic crowd for a regular-season match in New Zealand (27,009 against Wellington Phoenix in February).
They are now looking forward to hosting an even bigger celebration in a month, but this trophy serves as a fitting reward for a club that has excelled in its debut season.
HISTORY MADE: Auckland FC crowned Premiers in inaugural season
This Auckland team has been crafted around a strong foundation of local talent, featuring 11 players with one or more All Whites caps, and has been bolstered by a stellar lineup of overseas players, headlined by captain Hiroki Sakai, who have all embraced this new challenge.
“The objective was to create a local team that was not only competitive but capable of winning. We assessed thousands of players, discussing our vision and what we aimed to accomplish,” Corica stated.
“Now a year later, I couldn’t be more proud. It’s unheard of for an expansion team to win the league in its first season. It feels incredibly special.”
Corica and his team have transformed a newly assembled squad into a formidable unit, grounded in solid defensive principles and marked by a culture evident in their joyous celebrations.
This squad is rich in narratives that have culminated in this triumphant moment.
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HISTORY MADE: Auckland FC crowned Premiers in inaugural season
Alex Paulsen’s return to the A-Leagues on loan from Bournemouth, facilitated by Foley’s extensive multi-club network, highlights the benefits of having a billionaire owner, while his return to his roots underscores the club’s commitment to its local community.
Left-back Francis De Vries has been a standout this season; just a year ago, he was playing semi-professional football and coaching part-time. He, along with Cam Howieson, Jesse Randall, Liam Gillion, and Jonty Bidois, has been sourced from the local league.
All Whites veteran Tommy Smith, with an 18-year career and over 550 appearances for multiple clubs overseas, finally won his first club trophy upon returning home.
Logan Rogerson (Armenia), Max Mata (UK), and Nando Pijnaker (Ireland) have all returned to play in front of Kiwi crowds for the first time in years.
Key contributions from players like Guillermo May, Felipe Gallegos, Neyder Moreno, and Louis Verstraete have created magical moments throughout the season, while captain Sakai has undoubtedly become a beloved figure in Auckland.
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“To start from scratch is no easy feat. It’s difficult enough for an established squad to compete for trophies, but building a team and integrating players to establish a strong culture is even more challenging,” said Premier League legend Thomas Sorensen on A-Leagues Download.
“Creating such a culture doesn’t happen overnight. For Corica to achieve this so swiftly speaks volumes about his management skills and the success he enjoyed at Sydney FC.”
“From the beginning, the strategy was exceptionally well thought out. Emphasising homegrown Kiwi players in the core group, then integrating foreign talents like Gallegos, Mata, and Moreno was key. The early success was crucial for team cohesion and fan engagement.”
“This provides a brilliant blueprint for developing new markets and potentially inspires future franchises.”
HISTORY MADE: Auckland FC crowned Premiers in inaugural season
Auckland’s achievement serves as a model for future teams, resonating deeply within their community.
The Black Knights enjoy the highest average home attendance in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season, nearing 18,000, with close to 250,000 fans having walked through the gates of Go Media Stadium since their inaugural match last October.
It’s no wonder the Auckland side has struck such a chord with local supporters, given the strong ties to the All Whites. This triumph can be viewed as a win for Kiwi football as a whole, rather than just Auckland alone.
Even though football was the most played team sport in the country last year, Auckland FC has become just the second professional football club in New Zealand after Wellington Phoenix.
They’ve expanded opportunities for emerging talent in Aotearoa, which ranks 86th in the latest FIFA standings—their highest position since October 2013. Their recent qualification for the World Cup underlined the significant role both the Phoenix and Auckland play in the future of New Zealand football.
The inclusion of De Vries and Phoenix’s Kosta Barbarouses transformed the All Whites’ prospects in the OFC World Cup Qualifying Final against New Caledonia.
As the World Cup approaches, this Premiership title gains added importance.
“Inspirational moments in New Zealand football have been rare,” reflected former All Whites goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley on Sky Sports NZ. “The current All Whites players were young when they witnessed the historic win over Bahrain at Sky Stadium to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
“They’ve internalised that inspiration and channelled it into their own success for their generation. That’s the essence of it.”
Former Phoenix defender Tom Doyle added: “I’m thrilled to see so many Kiwi players excelling in the league this season. With the World Cup on the horizon, it’s exactly what every New Zealand football fan hopes to see.”
The nation will be captivated by the world’s premier sporting event next year.
For now, however, Auckland FC is focused on the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series, with the next trophy in sight.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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