Auckland FC have been named a finalist for ISPS HANDA Team of the Year in the Halberg Awards, following an incredible inaugural season.
Six teams have been nominated in total, with Auckland FC being the sole football team. Other teams nominated include the Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens), New Zealand Black Sox (softball), New Zealand Kiwis (rugby league), Men’s Team Pursuit (cycling-track), Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch (rowing).
The finalists were selected by a panel of former elite athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and media representatives, recognising outstanding achievements from 1st December 2024 to 30th November 2025.
Auckland FC had an astounding 24/25 debut campaign, making A-League history several times. The team not only picked up numerous records on the way and won over a legion of fans, but was the first team to win its first four A-League games. Auckland FC then went on to become the fastest side to reach 50 goals in competition history and put together a remarkable 14-game unbeaten run.
Defensively, the team set a new benchmark, going 532 minutes before conceding their first goal and finishing the regular season undefeated in 23 of 26 matches.
Off the pitch, support was just as impressive. A total of 264,000 fans packed Go Media Stadium across the season, delivering the highest average attendance in the A-League. The historic year was capped in April, when Auckland FC became the first New Zealand club to win the A-League Premiership.
Auckland FC don’t seem to show any signs of slowing, currently sitting second on the A-League ladder, one point off the lead, before their 10pm kick-off against Western Sydney Wanderers tomorrow night.
The awards ceremony will take place on Monday the 16th of February at Spark Arena, and it will be free-to-air on Sky Open from 8:00pm.
