Tamati Williams


Tamati Andre Williams is a New Zealand former professional footballer and fashion model. He played as a goalkeeper and made one appearance for the New Zealand national team.

Club career

After unsuccessful trials with Blackburn Rovers and Stockport County in England at the age of 18, Williams began his club career with Football Kingz FC in their final season in the now-defunct National Soccer League. After a period with ASB Premiership side Waikato FC, Williams played one season for Auckland City in 2007 before temporarily retiring from football to work as a fashion model.
Williams joined Danish Superliga club AaB in summer 2017. He served as a backup to Jacob Rinne, while Michael Lansing was out with an injury. He left the club at the end of the year.

International career

Williams represented New Zealand at the under-17, under-20, and under-23 Olympic levels. He made his debut as a full international against South Africa, when he replaced his colleague Glen Moss as a second-half substitute.

Modeling career

As a fashion model, Williams has represented brands such as Calvin Klein and Esprit, and has worked in the United States, France, Italy, and Australia. In 2007, he was featured on an episode of America's Next Top Model, appearing in a beach photo with Cycle 8 winner Jaslene Gonzalez. He is represented by the agencies Red11 in Auckland, and Chic Management in Sydney.

Personal life

Williams was born in Dunedin, and lived for a period in his childhood in Whangārei. His father played rugby union for Otago. As of 2014, Williams was studying for a postgraduate diploma in zoology and conservation biology.
He is of Māori descent, and holds a Dutch passport through a grandparent.

Honours

Uni-Mount Wellington
Auckland City