Alex Rufer is a New Zealand midfielder who plays for Wellington Phoenix. At 29, he remains part of New Zealand's wider 2026 picture because he brings passing range, work rate, and tactical balance at both club and international level.
Alex Rufer was born on 12 June 1996. He plays in A-League and has 23 senior caps for New Zealand.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
That youth phase mattered because it shaped his decision-making, tactical discipline, and readiness for senior football. For a midfielder, those details often decide how quickly a player earns trust at a higher level.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
In February 2013, Rufer joined Wairarapa United.
Current club and recent form
He is currently with Wellington Phoenix, where his role depends on team shape, competition for places, and how the staff wants to balance experience with specialist qualities. His place in the squad is tied to tactical usefulness rather than noise around him.
Alex Rufer - Stats and Performance
Alex Rufer's current club-season line with Wellington Phoenix is 19 appearances, 2 goals, and 1 assists in A-League. For a midfielder, that mix gives a better picture of workload and end product heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Wellington Phoenix | 19 | 2 | 1 |
Those totals point to a player carrying real week-to-week responsibility for Wellington Phoenix. The balance between appearances, goals, and assists gives a much clearer view of current level than reputation alone.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 23 caps and 0 goals for New Zealand in currently tracked records.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 23 | 0 | New Zealand senior squad involvement |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Alex Rufer plays as a midfielder and is valued for passing range, work rate, and tactical balance.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Alex Rufer |
| Date of birth | 12 June 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 184 cm |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Wellington Phoenix |
| Jersey number | 14 |
| Weekly salary | €6,250 gross (approx.) |
| Estimated net worth | €1.10 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Wellington Phoenix as his club heading into 2026. Public market-value tracking is limited, so the best guide is still his current squad status and recent usage.
Salary and Net Worth
Approximate salary estimates place Alex Rufer at about €6,250 gross (approx.) per week at Wellington Phoenix. That works out to roughly €325,000 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around €1.10 million.
FAQs
How old is Alex Rufer and what is his nationality?
Alex Rufer is 29 years old and he represents New Zealand.
Which club does Alex Rufer play for now?
He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix.
What position does Alex Rufer play?
He plays as a midfielder.
Is Alex Rufer part of New Zealand's national-team picture?
Yes. With 23 caps currently listed, he remains part of New Zealand's wider selection picture.
What is Alex Rufer salary and market value?
Salary: €6,250 gross (approx.). Market value: Will be updated soon.