WUHAN, China – Auckland United midfielder Siobhan Edwards (Ngāti Whātua) says representing Aotearoa and her Māori heritage on the world stage is a moment she will carry forever, after helping Auckland United FC make their historic debut at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
The 2025 tournament marks the first time a New Zealand women’s club has competed in the event, a milestone for both Auckland United and Māori women’s football.
“It’s honestly an incredible honour,” said Edwards. “Being part of Auckland United’s first FIFA Champions Cup campaign is something I’ll never forget.
“It’s a moment of pride not just for the team, but for our community, club, and country.
“We’ve all worked very hard to be here, and to represent Auckland United and Aotearoa on a global stage is a dream come true.
“I am so grateful to be able to open the doors for future generations of female footballers.”
For Edwards, the experience went far beyond football, it was about visibility and representation for Māori women in sport.
“Being here is incredibly special and something I feel deeply proud of.
“As a Māori woman, being part of this historic tournament is about more than just football, it’s about visibility, representation, and paving the way for the next generation,” she said.
“We may be the first, but this is only the beginning. As opportunities for young Māori footballers continue to grow, I hope I can inspire them to believe that they belong on the world stage too.”
Auckland United’s debut match ended in heartbreak, with a late goal sealing a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wuhan Jiangda WFC, thanks to a goal by Jiang Chenjing, but Edwards says the result doesn’t define the team’s achievement.
“That late goal was heartbreaking — there’s no denying it. We gave everything out there and to concede so late in the match has been tough to swallow,” she reflected.
“At the same time, I’m incredibly proud of how all of the girls played. We showed fight, unity, and belief throughout the match.
“Moments like these are painful, but they also build resilience, and I have no doubt that Auckland will return to the world stage and continue to grow and compete.”
As one of a growing number of Māori women competing internationally, Edwards says her Ngāti Whātua heritage gives her both strength and purpose.
“My Ngāti Whātua heritage has become an important part of my identity as an individual and a footballer.
“As I continue to learn more about my culture, I find it guiding me and giving me strength every time I step onto the field,” she said.
“To be seen as a role model for young Māori girls is a responsibility I carry with pride.
“I want them to see that their culture is a superpower, something to embrace and fuel them.”
Siobhan Edwards’ journey reflects the values of mana, whanaungatanga, and kotahitanga that Māori Football Aotearoa continues to champion, fostering pathways that connect cultural identity with sporting excellence.
Her story is a reminder that every appearance, every tackle, and every moment of representation contributes to a larger movement, one where Māori women are seen, celebrated, and leading proudly on the world stage.
Ends
Match Result
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
Wuhan, China
Wuhan Jiangda WFC 1 (Jiang Chending 89′)
Auckland United 0
HT: 0-0.
Read the Match Report here.
Photo Credit: Auckland United Media.
