Victoria Esson of Football Ferns Photo: Lynne Cameron/www.photosport.nz
The competitiveness of the A-League was one of the main reasons Football Ferns' goalkeeper Victoria Esson signed with the Wellington Phoenix.
Esson has played in Europe for seven seasons, the last three at Rangers in Scotland.
The 34-year-old said with only half the teams in the Scottish league fully professional it did lead to some lopsided results.
"That's a really big mental test to try and stay focussed in a game," Esson said.
"I like to be challenged and I think the games where we were winning by double figures I'm not being challenged as much on a weekly basis.
"I think in order for me to continue to grow my game and to feel like I'm still developing as a goalkeeper the competitive nature of the league (A-League) is definitely enticing for me.
At Rangers FC in Scotland, Esson won five trophies alongside fellow new Phoenix signing Tessel Middag, after previously playing in Germany and Norway.
She has been capped 28 times by New Zealand at senior level and started all of the Ferns' internationals in 2025.
She has signed a one year deal with the capital team.
Esson had long dreamed of playing professionally in Aotearoa, but it wasn't an option for her in 2019 so she had to go offshore in order to pursue a full-time football career.
"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," she said.
"Having played in America, Norway, Germany and Scotland I think I've become a more rounded person and a more rounded footballer."
Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is thrilled to have secured Esson's signature.
"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," 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.
Victoria Esson is the 13th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women's squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.
