Michael Woud

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Sunderland was where my professional journey began. It was a great experience playing for their academy teams. After the contract termination of Mika, I had a short stint as the third-choice goalkeeper with the first team, which was an exciting step up. Although I didn’t make any first-team appearances, training with the senior squad and being part of that environment was invaluable for my development, especially when the club was going through tough times like relegation to League One.

Moving to Willem II was about taking the next step in my career. With only a year left on my contract at Sunderland, I felt it was time to find regular first-team football. Willem II gave me that opportunity, and the chance to play in the Eredivisie was too good to pass up. It was a big move for me, but I knew it was the right one.

Making my debut against Fortuna Sittard was a proud moment for me. We won 3-2, which made it even more special. The Eredivisie is a top league with high-quality players, so getting the chance to play in that environment was a huge step in my career. It’s one thing to train with the first team, but getting out there in a competitive match is a whole different level.

Almere City was another important chapter for me. I initially went there on loan in 2020, and after a solid season, the club made the move permanent. I signed a contract until 2024, which gave me stability and the chance to continue developing as a goalkeeper. The Eerste Divisie is a very competitive league, and it allowed me to get consistent game time, which is key for any young goalkeeper.

Japan was an incredible experience. I signed with Kyoto Sanga in 2022 and later joined Ventforet Kofu on loan for the 2023 season. Football in Japan is quite different from Europe—the pace of the game is fast, and the technical level is very high. The culture around football there is also unique, with passionate fans and a great atmosphere. It was a challenge, but I learned a lot and enjoyed my time in the J2 League.

It feels amazing to be back home and part of Auckland FC’s journey in the A-League. After spending so much time playing overseas, coming back to New Zealand and being one of the first four signings for this new club is special. Auckland FC has big ambitions, and I’m excited to be part of that as we build something new and exciting in the A-League.

Playing for New Zealand has always been an honour. The youth World Cups were great learning experiences, especially the 2019 U-20 World Cup, where we made it to the round of 16. I’ll never forget the penalty shootout against Colombia—I made three saves, but one was ruled off for moving off the line too early. Moments like that are tough, but they shape you as a player. It’s all part of the journey, and representing your country at that level is something I’ll always be proud of.

My debut for the All Whites in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup was a highlight. We beat India 2-1, and it was a great feeling to get that first cap. Another standout was the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. I played all three pool games, and we made history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time. Those experiences are unforgettable and push me to keep working hard for more opportunities with the national team.

My focus right now is on helping Auckland FC establish itself in the A-League and performing at my best. I want to make an impact and contribute to the team’s success. As for the national team, I’m always aiming to stay in the mix and push for more opportunities with the All Whites. The long-term goal is to help New Zealand qualify for the World Cup and perform on the biggest stage.