Former All Whites midfielder Jeremy Christie has welcomed Auckland City FC to his adopted hometown this week as the team competes at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Now based in Orlando, the Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Whare descendant played a pivotal role for Aotearoa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making two appearances off the bench in historic 1–1 draws with Slovakia and then-defending champions Italy.
These days, Christie, 42, is still immersed in the game, leading the girls’ programme for Orlando Pride.
Christie enjoyed a professional football career across 13 years that featured stints in England, Australia, the USA and New Zealand.
He also appeared at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in 2009.
“I’m very proud of my Māori heritage,” he says. “My dad is from the East Coast — it’s where he was born and raised, and he’s always carried that pride. That identity stays with you, even from across the world.”
Christie admits he never imagined life would take him to the United States but says reconnecting with Auckland City FC has brought familiar faces and a sense of whānau to Florida.
He also got to witness two young Māori players in Adam Bell and Jackson Manuel take to the global stage against Portuguese football icons SL Benfica at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
City lost the match 6-0 to the two-times UEFA Champions League winners.
“It’s been awesome seeing the club here and catching up with former teammates like Ivan Vicelich,” he says. “Watching Adam [Bell] and Jackson [Manuel] out there against Benfica was a proud moment.”
As a trailblazer for Māori in international football, Christie has watched with admiration as Māori presence in the sport has grown.
“Over the past 10 to 15 years, you really notice more and more Māori players coming through,” he says. “What Māori Football Aotearoa is doing to grow the game in our communities is huge.
“To see young Māori walk out onto the world stage at a FIFA Club World Cup — that’s something special. I’m stoked for Adam and Jackson. They’re representing more than just a team — they’re representing us all.”
Christie is also the Executive Director and Founder of FC Highland in Orlando, and has built a programme focused on more than just winning games; he’s cultivating young athletes into confident, skilled, and resilient individuals.
Ka mau te wehi.
