Alex Arthur Rufer (;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPDEMkIEuLW/?igsh=M281aGtrdnplZXJv born 12 June 1996) is a New Zealand professional footballer who captains and plays as a defensive midfielder for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League. Born in Switzerland, he represents the New Zealand national team.
Personal life Rufer is the son of former international New Zealand player Shane Rufer, and the nephew of Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer. He also attended Palmerston North Boys' High School.
Club career Rufer started his career with YoungHeart Manawatu.
In February 2013, Rufer joined Wairarapa United.
In August 2013, ahead of the A-League season, Rufer signed a three-year contract with Wellington Phoenix. Rufer made his debut for the Wellington Phoenix in the 3–2 away win against Newcastle Jets on 9 February 2014.
In a 2–1 loss against Brisbane Roar on 12 March 2022, Rufer suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Rufer was sidelined from the injury until returning on 7 January 2023 in a 1–0 away win against Sydney FC.
On 22 January 2023, in his 107th match for the Phoenix, Rufer scored his first goal for the club. The goal came in a 2–1 home win against the Central Coast Mariners.
On 27 July 2026, the Phoenix renewed Rufer's contract for another two seasons, until the end of the 2027–28 season. Rufer is set to play his 14th and 15th seasons for the Wellington-based club as a result.
International career Rufer made his international debut for the All Whites in a friendly match against Myanmar on 7 September 2015, coming on for Jeremy Brockie in the 72nd minute.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsYoungHeart Manawatu2012–13Premiership50——50Wellington Phoenix2013–14A-League10——102014–153000—302015–164010—502016–173000—302017–1811010—1202018–1924010102602019–2019010102102020–2121000—2102021–22A-League Men14030—1702022–2318200101922023–24243202028319010—2002025–2623210—2422026–2700——00Total1292703013922014–15Premiership 131——1312015–1620——202016–1771——712017–1841——412019–2010——102020–2110——10202210——10Total2930000293Career total163570301735
International
Honours New Zealand OFC Nations Cup: 2024
Individual PFA A-League Team of the Season: 2023–24
References
External links