Alex Arthur Rufer (born 12 June 1996) is a New Zealand professional footballer who captains and plays as a defensive midfielder for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.
Personal information | |||
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Full name | Alex Arthur Rufer[1] | ||
Date of birth | (1996-06-12) 12 June 1996 (age 26)[1] | ||
Place of birth | Geneva, Switzerland | ||
Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 1⁄2 in)[1] | ||
Position(s) | Defensive midfielder | ||
Club information | |||
Current team | Wellington Phoenix | ||
Number | 14 | ||
Youth career | |||
0000–2013 | YoungHeart Manawatu | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2013 | YoungHeart Manawatu | 5 | (0) |
2013 | Wairarapa United | 1 | (1) |
2014– | Wellington Phoenix Reserves | 27 | (3) |
2013– | Wellington Phoenix | 103 | (0) |
National team‡ | |||
2013–2014 | New Zealand U17 | 13 | (3) |
2015 | New Zealand U20 | 1 | (1) |
2015–2020 | New Zealand U23 | 4 | (1) |
2015– | New Zealand | 5 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 March 2022 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 30 May 2018 |
Rufer is the son of former international New Zealand player Shane Rufer, and the nephew of Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer. He also attended Palmerston North Boys High School.[2]
Rufer started his career with YoungHeart Manawatu.
In February 2013, Rufer joined Wairarapa United.[3]
In August 2013, ahead of the A-League season, Rufer signed a three-year contract with Wellington Phoenix.[4] Rufer made his debut for the Wellington Phoenix in the 3–2 away win against Newcastle Jets on 9 February 2014.[5]
In a 2–1 loss against Brisbane Roar on 12 March 2022, Rufer suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Rufer is expected to return from injury in 12 months.[6]
Rufer made his international debut for the All Whites in a friendly match against Myanmar on 7 September 2015, coming on for Jeremy Brockie in the 72nd minute.[7]
New Zealand squad – 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup | ||
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Wellington Phoenix FC – current squad | |
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