One of the greatest Māori football players will bow out of the international arena this weekend
All Whites captain Winston Reid (Tainui, Te Rarawa) has confirmed he will be retiring from international football after the team's homecoming game at Eden Park this Sunday.
The former West Ham United defender played 32 times for the national team, nearly half as captain, scoring one memorable goal at the FIFA World Cup 2010 against Slovakia. He made over 200 appearances for The Hammers including winning their Player of the Year award in 2013. He also had spells with MLS side Sporting Kansas City in 2020 and Brentford FC in 2021 as part of their Premier League promotion-winning run.
Reid is pleased to have the opportunity to end his international career in Aotearoa New Zealand in the city he was born:
"It is great to have the opportunity to play my final international game in Auckland. It's going to be nice to come home to the city I grew up in where I first started playing football.
"There's so many memories that it's hard to single one out. The World Cup was special for me because I was very young and playing and scoring in it was amazing. It's something I'll always be thankful for and grateful for. But I've been fortunate enough to have a long career for club and country, and captaining the national team has been an honour."
All Whites head coach Danny Hay praised Winston Reid's influence on his young side and the pathway he has carved for future generations of Kiwi footballers:
"Winnie is a true legend of New Zealand football who paved the way for future players, along with other legends like Ryan Nelsen, showing that a Kiwi kid could do it at the game's highest level.
"I've really appreciated our time together since I've been All Whites head coach. The mana he holds within this group of players is inspiring and I know he is someone the squad have hugely benefited from being around on and off the pitch."
The All Whites play Australia at 4pm on Sunday 25 September at Eden Park in Tāmaki Makaurau, in what will be his last time wearing the All Whites shirt.