WELLINGTON, New Zealand -Auckland City have once again proved themselves the benchmark of New Zealand football, retaining their National League title after a drama‑filled grand final against Wellington Olympic at Newtown Park.
14 December 2025
It was a night that encapsulated the Navy Blues’ extraordinary season, a campaign that stretched across 52 matches, 29 flights around the world, including Oceania, the United States, East Asia and Africa, testing themselves on the global stage in the OFC Champions League and against some of the the world’s best at the FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup. Yet, back on home soil, they summoned every ounce of resilience to secure their third grand final triumph in four years.
A cagey opening, a frantic finale
For 80 minutes, the final was tight and tense. Auckland’s captain Mario Ilich as well as forwards David Yoo and Myer Bevan fashioned half‑chances, while Olympic’s Jack‑Henry Sinclair offered glimpses of threat, but neither side imposed themselves.
The match ignited with substitutions. In the 81st minute, Matt Ellis ghosted past his marker to head home Haris Zeb’s cross, seemingly setting City on course for victory.
But Olympic, roared on by their home supporters, struck back in stoppage time through Luke Stoupe, forcing extra time.
Isa Prins, the breakout star of Olympic’s season, lashed home his 20th goal in the 101st minute, sparking wild celebrations and tilting the title towards the capital.
Gray’s intervention
With seconds remaining in extra time, Auckland threw bodies forward in desperation. Christian Gray, who had already made headlines scoring against Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup, rose to meet a cross and turned it into the net. His equaliser dragged the final into penalties, keeping City’s title defence alive.
Penalty drama
The shootout was a test of nerve. Ilich’s opening miss and Ben Mata’s emphatic reply gave Olympic the edge. Zeb, Ellis, Kilkolly and Gray all converted for City, while Olympic’s Prins, Mason‑Smith and Petersen kept pace.
When Alexander Solomon shot wide, the contest lurched into sudden death. Nathan Lobo, Dylan Manickum and Nikko Boxall all held their nerve, while Olympic faltered at the last, Alex Davis smashing his effort against the crossbar.
City had prevailed 7‑6 on penalties, their composure under pressure sealing another crown.
A season of endurance and triumph
The victory capped a historic campaign for the Sandringham club, whose relentless travel and global challenges underscored their dominance at home. Retaining the National League also ensured they kept hold of the Mediterranean Cup, contested between the Navy Blues and Olympic to honour their shared migrant heritage.
Haris Zeb’s influence was recognised with the Steve Sumner Trophy as the final’s Most Valuable Player.
For Auckland City, the night was more than just another title. It was the culmination of a season defined by endurance, ambition, and the ability to rise when the stakes were highest.
Ends
Match Result
Dettol National League GF
Newtown Park, Wellington
Wellington Olympic: 2 (Luke Stoupe 90+3′, Isa Prins 101′)
Auckland City FC: 2 (Matt Ellis 81′, Christian Gray 120+2′)
*Auckland City won penalties 7-6.
HT: 0-0
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK 2. Mario ILICH CP 3. Adam MITCHELL (8. Gerard GARRIGA 110’)4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL 7. Myer BEVAN (9. Angus KILKOLLY 80’) 11. Ryan DE VRIES (10. Dylan MANICKUM 67’) 22. Tong ZHOU (6. Orlando THORPE 91’) 23. Riley DALZIELL (13. Nathan LOBO 91’) 26. David YOO (19. Matt ELLIS 80′) 27. Haris ZEB
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Sebastian CIGANDA GK
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
