Emiliano Tade (born March 3, 1988) is a former Argentine professional footballer who played a forward.
Tade holds the record for number of consecutive participations in the FIFA Club World Cup, appearing for Auckland City at seven consecutive FIFA Club World Cup tournaments from 2011 to 2017. He is currently the all-time leading goal scorer for Auckland City, as well as the all-time leading goal scorer in New Zealand Football Championship history; his exploits earned him a professional move to South Africa, eventually signing for league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in 2019.
Career Early career Born in Santiago del Estero, Tade grew up playing for boyhood side Club Atlético Mitre. Instead of pursuing a career in football, Tade was studying to become a lawyer before moving to New Zealand in April 2010. After Martín Pereyra, a fellow Argentine playing in New Zealand, suggested he trial for local semi-pro side Wellington United, Tade began a club football career.
Tade's performances in the Central Premier League impressed Team Wellington head coach Stu Jacobs, and Tade signed for the ASB Premiership club prior to the 2010–11 season, scoring six goals in 16 appearances in his debut season in the New Zealand top flight.
Auckland City The next season, Tade sealed a move to Auckland City, joining a Hispanic contingent that included Andreu Guerao, Manel Expósito, Albert Riera, Ángel Berlanga and Luis Corrales.
Tade won the golden boot in both the 2013–14 ASB Premiership and 2013–14 OFC Champions League. He also won his first league championship that season, scoring the only goal in the final as Auckland City beat former club Team Wellington on 16 March 2014.
Due to Auckland City's dominance in the OFC Champions League, winning the competition for seven straight seasons, Tade appeared at a record seven consecutive FIFA Club World Cup competitions between 2011 and 2017. This included Auckland City's historic run in the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, falling to Argentine giants San Lorenzo in the semifinal, before defeating Cruz Azul in the third-place playoff. His performances in the tournament earned him a move to Torneo Federal A side Club Atlético Mitre ahead of the 2015 season; however, he lasted less than a season before returning to Auckland.
South Africa AmaZulu On 26 May 2018, Tade confirmed that he had completed a move to Absa Premiership club AmaZulu FC following a successful trial. Tade made his debut for Usuthu in a 1−0 win over Baroka FC on 4 August 2018. He quickly began to impress during his time in South Africa, forming a strong partnership with Bongi Ntuli and becoming widely regarded as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. After a productive first half of the season where Tade scored seven goals in all competitions and won Player of the Month honours for November and December, he drew interest from the league's larger clubs.
Mamelodi Sundowns
On 31 January 2019, reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns announced the signing of Emiliano Tade for an undisclosed fee - believed to be around 6 million rand - which also included the permanent transfer of Bongi Ntuli, previously on loan to AmaZulu, in the other direction. Mamelodi went on to win the title that season, with Tade contributing two goals in 12 appearances for Sundowns.
His next season in South Africa was plagued by injury and personal issues; Tade failed to make an appearance for Sundowns, and eventually requested a release from his contract, citing constant injury struggles, homesickness and a wish to cease playing professionally. Tade agreed a mutual termination of contract, and he was officially released on 11 December 2019, returning to his family in New Zealand.
Return to Auckland City
On 13 January 2020, Auckland City confirmed that Tade had returned to the club alongside Tom Doyle.
Auckland United On 6 March 2025, Auckland United announced the signing of Tade for the 2025 season.
Auckland FC
On 11 December 2025, Tade joined Auckland FC (OFC) as one of the first five signings for the OFC Pro League. He was also named one of the assistant coaches. He scored his first goal for Auckland FC, a penalty, on 20 January 2026 in a 3–1 victory over Vanuatu United at Eden Park. He went on to make 16 appearances and score five goals during the season, helping Auckland FC win the inaugural 2026 OFC Professional League title. Tade came off the bench to secure the championship in a 2–1 victory over South Melbourne in the 2026 final.
On 4 June 2026, Tade announced his retirement from football at the age of 38. He stayed on as part of Auckland FC's coaching staff.
Career statistics
Club
+Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsTeam Wellington2010–11Premiership166———166Auckland City2011–12Premiership 108—322015102012–13166—31202172013–141417—765126242014–1574—24211092015–16157—40202172016–171713—631024162017–181818—68102526Total977300312415214299Mitre (loan)2015Torneo Federal A14300—00143AmaZulu2018–1917511—212072018–19SA Premier Division81004100122Auckland City2019–20Premiership 64—32009642—0000422021National League7800——782022251763521037222023144002310177Total563563107207445Western Springs2024National League 221534——2519Auckland United2025National League 191446——2320Auckland FC2026——165—165Career total24915214146127193342206
Honours Auckland City NZ Football League: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2022 Premiers of NZFC: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21 Northern League: 2021, 2022, 2023 Chatham Cup: 2022 Charity Cup: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016 OFC Champions League: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023 OFC President's Cup: 2014 FIFA Club World Cup 3rd Place: 2014
Central United Chatham Cup: 2012 Auckland FC
OFC Professional League: 2026
Individual Jack Batty Memorial Cup: 2012 New Zealand Football Championship golden boot: 2013–14, 2017–18 Northern League top scorer: 2025
Notes
References
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