Ben Old


Benjamin Craig Old is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Saint-Étienne and the New Zealand national team.

Early life

Old began his sports career as a golfer; he was given his first golf club when he was two. Old was considered a former child golf prodigy, playing in his first international golf tournament at the age of seven. He had travelled to the United States to play against other child prodigies from around the world in Las Vegas, Pinehurst and San Diego.

Club career

Wellington Phoenix

Old originally lived in Auckland before he moved to Wellington and joined the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy in 2018. While not an official member of Wellington Phoenix's senior squad, Old had trained with the team before they went to Australia. Old joined the team again for training when they returned, making his debut as a substitute in the Phoenix's 3–0 win over Western United and nutmegging his defender with his first touch.
Old scored his first goal for the Wellington Phoenix during a 3–0 victory over the Brisbane Roar on 30 March 2022.

Saint-Étienne

On 9 July 2024, Old signed for Ligue 1 club Saint-Étienne on a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year.
On 17 August 2024, Old played his first game with Saint-Étienne, a 0-1 defeat against AS Monaco FC in the first day of the 2024–25 Ligue 1, becoming the first New Zealander to start a game in Ligue 1, and the second to even play.
On 13 September 2024, he played his third Ligue 1 game, a 1-0 win against Lille, beating Bill Tuiloma’s tally of two games and setting a new record for a New Zealander in Ligue 1.

International career

New Zealand U-17s

Old was part of the New Zealand U-17 team that won the 2018 OFC U-16 Championship and qualified for 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. Old played in two games at the World Cup, first coming on as a sub in New Zealand's opening 1–2 loss to Angola before getting a start in the team's 1–0 win over Canada.

Olympic Games

On 25 June 2021, he was named in New Zealand reserve squad for the 2020
Olympics.
Though he was actually travelled to Japan, he didn't play any game.

New Zealand

Old was named in the 30-man New Zealand squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Oceania qualifiers. He subsequently made his international debut on 19 March 2022, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute during New Zealand's 1–0 victory against Papua New Guinea in the group stage.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

New Zealand
  • OFC Nations Cup: 2024
Individual
  • A-Leagues All Star: 2024