Claudia Bunge
Claudia Mary Bunge is a New Zealand footballer who currently plays for Melbourne Victory and the New Zealand women's national football team.
Club career
Bunge started playing club football for Glenfield Rovers, she first played senior women's football at the age of 14 for Glenfield Rovers in the Loto Northern Premier League. She made an appearance as a substitute in the 2014 Kate Sheppard Cup Final as Glenfield Rovers beat Forrest Hill Milford 3-2. Playing for the Rovers, Bunge has been part of the team to finish runner-up in the 2016 Kate Sheppard Cup that was then known as the Women's Knockout Cup. They then won the Kate Sheppard Cup in 2017. Bunge was also part of the team that won the Lotto NRFL Premier Women league in 2018.Bunge also played in the New Zealand Football run National Women's League where teams are run by the regional federations. Bunge played for and captained the Northern Lights.
In November 2020, Bunge joined Melbourne Victory in the Australian W-League.
On 28 August 2023, HB Køge announced she had signed for the club.
In August 2024, Bunge returned to Melbourne Victory.
International career
Bunge was a member of the New Zealand U-17 who won the 2016 OFC U-17 Women's Championship side at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan, and the New Zealand U-20 side at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France.Bunge was called up for the New Zealand national team to take part in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China. She made her senior début for the Football Ferns in a 2–0 loss to China on 8 November 2019. She followed up that game with another start for the Ferns against Canada, impressing the coach with her performances.
On 25 June 2021, Bunge was called up to the New Zealand squad for the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics.
Bunge was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
In February 2024, Bunge was announced as captain for the 2024 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, with usual co-captains Ali Riley and Ria Percival not called up for the tournament. However, Rebekah Stott was named captain for the opening match. Bunge first captained the side in the final group game on 13 February 2024 against Vanuatu, also winning player of the match.
On 4 July 2024, Bunge was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Honours
Glenfield Rovers:Melbourne Victory
- A-League Women Championship: 2020–21, 2021–22
New Zealand U20
New Zealand
Individual
- IFFHS OFC's Best Player: 2022
- IFFHS Women's OFC Team: 2022