Francis de Vries


Francis de Vries is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays for A-League club Auckland FC and the New Zealand men's national football team.

Club career

De Vries was initially scouted to attend the APFA Academy in Christchurch, New Zealand under the guidance of professional coaches Giovani Fernandes and Jess Ibrom. The academy had a direct relationship with Chelsea FC as well as a number of professional clubs around the World including FC Basel in Switzerland. De Vries signed with local side Canterbury United, before getting the opportunity to sign a 6-month contract with FC Basel in 2012. Following his release by Basel, De Vries opted to move to the United States to play college soccer at Saint Francis University, where he played for four years and made 79 appearances, scoring 15 goals.
While at college, De Vries played with Premier Development League side Michigan Bucks.
On 13 January 2017, De Vries was selected in the second round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He signed to Whitecaps FC 2 on 16 March 2017.
On 24 November 2017, De Vries signed with ISPS Handa Premiership side Canterbury United FC.
On 21 July 2018, De Vries signed with Nyköpings BIS in the Division 1 Norra.
In January 2019, De Vries joined Division 1 Södra side IFK Värnamo. He played a key part in his club's consecutive promotions to the Allsvenskan and appeared in their first eleven top-flight games, but suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in July 2022 and returned to New Zealand to recover.
On 30 May 2024, De Vries joined Auckland FC as one of 4 inaugural sigings. On 30 November, De Vries scored his first A-League goal in a 2–0 win over the Newcastle Jets. He later won the Members’ Player of the Season award for the 2024–25 season.

International career

Born in New Zealand, De Vries is of Dutch and Swiss descent. On 16 November 2021, De Vries made his international debut for New Zealand as a 95th minute substitute in a friendly match against The Gambia. De Vries scored his first goal for the All Whites in a World Cup qualifying match against Samoa, an 8–0 win at Go Media Stadium.

Honours

IFK Värnamo
Auckland FC
  • [List of A-League Men|A-League champions|A-League Premiership]: 2024-25
Individual