All Whites Tommy Smith and Max Mata have been added to the Auckland FC roster for their maiden A-League season.
The pair join four Kiwi countrymen Michael Woud, Francis de Vries, Cameron Howieson and Jesse Randall already named to serve under championship-winning coach Steve Corica in 2024/25.
Defender Smith, 34, has represented the All Whites since their 2010 World Cup campaign, where he played every minute, notching up 51 international caps since and serving as the team's youngest-ever captain against El Salvador in 2012.
Over the course of 11 years, the veteran played 247 games for English club Ipswich Town, as well as stints with Colorado Rapids in the US Major League Soccer and Colchester United. He turned out for Macarthur FC in A-League last season.
"Tommy is an experienced player that is going to be a great leader to the rest of the squad," said Corica.
Forward Mata, 23, debuted for New Zealand against Lithuania in 2019 and has made nine appearances since. He has played club football in Switzerland, Estonia, USA, Ireland and England, most recently with Irish Sligo Rovers, but joins the Black Knights on loan from Shrewsbury Town.
"Max has an exciting future ahead of him," said Corica. "He's returning home, having become an established player at international level.
"He has really brought into the style of football we, as a club, want to play, and the pathways we can offer to him and players like him."
The club's first signings have all reflected its intention to embed itself in the local community.
"What I'm particularly proud of is how we have blended youth and experience, and nearly all have international level experience," said chief executive Nick Becker.
"All are aware of the energy and buzz that currently surrounds Auckland FC, and are eager to be a part of it."
