Ben Waine is a New Zealand centre-forward who plays for Port Vale FC. At 24, he remains part of New Zealand's wider 2026 picture because he brings movement in the box, finishing, and pressing from the front at both club and international level.
Benjamin Peter Waine was born on 11 June 2001 in Wellington,. He plays in EFL League One and has 28 senior caps for New Zealand. His current role is easier to understand through reliability and tactical fit than through headline numbers alone.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Ben Waine was born in Wellington,, where his football development began before he moved into more structured academy football.
His route into senior football was steady rather than sudden. Early development laid the base for the positional discipline and match control that later defined his game.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
Waine began his career with Wellington Phoenix, playing for the Reserves in the New Zealand Football Championship.
He left Plymouth in June 2025 and signed for Port Vale.
Current club and recent form
He has been with Port Vale FC since 2025, and recent market tracking places him at around €500 thousand. Even without a major transfer story around him right now, that profile suggests a player who still holds clear value for his club.
At club level, his recent form should be read in context. For a centre-forward, influence is not always captured by simple goals-and-assists numbers, because the role can be built around structure, control, or defensive work.
Ben Waine - Stats and Performance
Ben Waine's current season with Port Vale shows 19 appearances, 3 goals, and 0 assists in League One. For an attacking player, those numbers offer the clearest snapshot of current output, even if minutes and tactical role still shape the wider picture.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Port Vale | 19 | 3 | 0 |
Those totals give a more useful picture of current form than broad reputation alone. If that output level continues for Port Vale, the World Cup conversation stays strong.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 28 caps and 8 goals for New Zealand in currently tracked records. That gives him a real place in the national-team conversation, even if the exact role can change from one camp to the next.
For 2026, selection will still depend on form, fitness, and how New Zealand want to build their squad balance. Players who understand their role and execute it cleanly usually stay in the picture longer, and that is the strongest argument in his favor.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 28 | 8 | New Zealand senior squad involvement |
International football usually rewards trust, clarity, and tactical discipline. That is why his national-team outlook still depends as much on role fit as on headline form.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Ben Waine plays as a centre-forward and is valued for movement in the box, finishing, and pressing from the front. He is at his best when the game asks for clear decisions, disciplined movement, and enough technical quality to keep his role stable under pressure.
The exact shape of his role can shift from match to match. Sometimes the priority is control, sometimes recovery work, and sometimes more direct involvement in transitions, but the common thread is tactical usefulness rather than unnecessary risk.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Benjamin Peter Waine |
| Date of birth | 11 June 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 179 cm |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Port Vale FC |
| Jersey number | 19 |
| Weekly salary | €4,700 gross (approx.) |
| Estimated net worth | €439,920 (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Port Vale FC as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2025. Recent market-value tracking places him at about €500 thousand.
Unless a new official move is confirmed, the safest reading is that he remains tied to his current club. For players in his position, market value is usually shaped by age, recent usage, contract situation, and how well the profile fits different league styles.
Salary and Net Worth
Approximate salary estimates place Ben Waine at about €4,700 gross (approx.) per week at Port Vale FC. That works out to roughly €244,400 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around €439,920.
FAQs
How old is Ben Waine and what is his nationality?
Ben Waine is 24 years old and he represents New Zealand.
Which club does Ben Waine play for now?
He currently plays for Port Vale FC.
What position does Ben Waine play?
He plays as a centre-forward.
Is Ben Waine part of New Zealand's national-team picture?
Yes. With 28 caps currently listed, he remains part of New Zealand's wider selection picture.
What is Ben Waine salary and market value?
Salary: €4,700 gross (approx.). Market value: €500 thousand.
Conclusion
Ben Waine remains a useful player to track because his profile is built on role value, tactical fit, and experience rather than empty noise. That usually keeps a player relevant for longer, especially in a national-team setup that values clarity.
If he holds his place at Port Vale FC, he should stay in New Zealand's 2026 conversation. The exact role may change from one window to the next, but the overall picture is stable.