PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace |
| Date of Birth | 27/09/2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 1.83 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 72–80 kg |
| Position | Left-back / Left Wing-back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #13 (Wrexham), #13 (New Zealand) |
| Current Club | Wrexham AFC |
| Previous Clubs | Island Bay United, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, Wellington Phoenix, Sint-Truiden, Empoli |
| International Caps | 33+ |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America represented the culmination of a journey that had taken Liberato Cacace from the youth ranks of Wellington to the heights of Serie A, via Belgium and a Hollywood-backed project in Wales. For the New Zealand left-back, the call-up to the All Whites’ 26-man squad was the reward for a career defined by rapid ascent and quiet determination.
At 25 years old, Cacace was named in Darren Bazeley’s squad for the World Cup, joining fellow All Whites Chris Wood and Tommy Smith as the squad’s most experienced campaigners. The selection came at the end of an injury-hit first season with Wrexham that had limited him to just 13 appearances across all competitions. Despite the setbacks, his quality and experience were deemed indispensable to New Zealand’s World Cup hopes.
Cacace had not played since February 2026, but returned to fitness for the final week of the season, though he was not used. Speaking from the All Whites’ training camp in Florida, he reflected on the significance of the moment: “It’s every footballer’s dream to play at a World Cup. I think a lot of us didn’t believe that we were going to, but it’s come very quick for some of us and it’s an honour to represent your country at a World Cup.”
New Zealand were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, with their campaign beginning against Iran in Los Angeles on June 15. For Cacace, whose family would be watching from Italy at 3 AM local time, the tournament represented both a personal redemption after a difficult season and a chance to make history for the All Whites.
Origins
Born on September 27, 2000, in Wellington, New Zealand, Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace was raised in the country’s capital city. His heritage is deeply Italian—his father, Antonio, emigrated from Massa Lubrense, near Naples, to seek a new life in New Zealand, while his mother, Luisa, is a New Zealander of Italian descent. Today, his parents own a pizzeria called ‘Bella Napoli’ in Wellington, where Cacace worked as a dishwasher during his teenage years.
Cacace began his youth career at Island Bay United, a small club in Wellington, before being selected for Capital Football’s representative squad. His talent was evident early—he was chosen by former All Whites and Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert to be part of his junior elite academy.
He attended St Patrick’s College in Wellington, where he helped his school team win the Wellington Premier Youth football league, scoring in the 2-1 final against Hutt International Boys’ School. The combination of grassroots football and school competition provided the foundation for a professional career that would span multiple continents.
The Professional Forge
Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Early Career (2016-2018)
Cacace began his senior career with the Wellington Phoenix Reserves in the New Zealand Football Championship during the 2016-17 season, making eight appearances, including four starts. During the winter season, he also played for Wellington Phoenix feeder club Wellington United in the local Central League.
Wellington Phoenix (2018-2020)
On February 2, 2018, Cacace made his debut for the senior Wellington Phoenix side, coming on as a substitute in a 4-0 defeat against Sydney FC in the A-League. Following the end of the 2017-18 A-League season, having made seven appearances, he signed a three-year professional contract with the club.
The 2018-19 season marked his breakthrough. Following the departure of Scott Galloway and injury to Tom Doyle, Cacace became the first-choice left-back under new manager Marko Rudan, just one month after his 18th birthday. He scored his maiden A-League goal against Central Coast Mariners in an 8-2 victory on March 9, 2019, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at 18 years and 163 days. After playing more minutes than any other Wellington Phoenix player that season, he won the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
The following season, Cacace established himself as one of Wellington’s most important players, with captain Steven Taylor calling him “the best left-back in the league without a shadow of a doubt.” On March 8, 2020, he played his 50th game for Wellington Phoenix against Central Coast Mariners, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to do so.
Sint-Truiden (2020-2022)
After a stellar season with Wellington Phoenix, Cacace signed a three-year contract with Belgian club Sint-Truiden for an estimated transfer fee of around €1.2 million. He made 50 league appearances for the club without scoring.
Empoli (2022-2025)
On January 31, 2022, Cacace joined Italian Serie A club Empoli on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The conditions were fulfilled, and Empoli purchased his rights on June 17, 2022. On February 6, 2022, he made his Serie A debut in a 0-0 draw against Bologna, becoming the first New Zealander to compete in Italy’s top flight.
Across four seasons with Empoli, Cacace made 76 Serie A appearances and scored 2 goals. He also featured in other competitions, bringing his total to 83 appearances for the Tuscan club. His time in Italy was marked by consistency and growth, establishing himself as a reliable left-back in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Wrexham (2025-Present)
On July 18, 2025, Cacace joined newly-promoted EFL Championship club Wrexham for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal until the end of the 2027-28 season. The move to the Welsh club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, represented a new chapter in his career.
His first season in Wales was disrupted by a series of hamstring and calf injuries that limited him to 13 appearances from a possible 53 matches. He made 12 league appearances (8 starts), playing 721 minutes and contributing to 5 clean sheets. Despite the limited game time, he scored his first goal for Wrexham on January 9, 2026, in a 3-3 FA Cup draw against Premier League side Nottingham Forest, which Wrexham won 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Cacace described the Wrexham fanbase as exceptional: “I don’t think I can really compare these fans with any of the fans I’ve had so far… They are a very noisy bunch but very supportive at the same time.”
International Career
Cacace’s international journey began at youth level. He represented New Zealand U17, making 8 appearances and scoring 1 goal, and featured for the U20 side at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was also part of New Zealand’s Olympic squad for Tokyo 2020, scoring a memorable goal against Honduras from almost thirty metres with a left-foot volley.
His senior debut for the All Whites came on June 5, 2018, in a 1-0 friendly victory over Chinese Taipei. He scored his first senior international goal on March 27, 2022, a decisive strike in a 1-0 victory over Tahiti. He has since accumulated over 33 caps for New Zealand, establishing himself as the first-choice left-back.
Cacace was part of the New Zealand squad that won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup in Fiji and Vanuatu, adding a major international trophy to his collection. His consistent performances at club level, particularly during his time in Serie A, cemented his status as one of the All Whites’ most important players.
The 2026 World Cup selection represented the pinnacle of his international career. Having overcome the injuries that plagued his first Wrexham season, Cacace returned to fitness and was named in Darren Bazeley’s squad.
The Anatomy of His Game
Cacace is a left-footed left-back defined by his speed, technical ability, and offensive contributions. At 1.83 metres and approximately 75 kg, he possesses a balanced physical profile suited to the demands of modern full-back play.
In Possession
Cacace’s technical quality is a key asset. He is effective in both crossing and passing, with a good delivery from wide areas. His ability to contribute to attacking phases makes him a valuable asset for teams building from the back.
In the 2025-26 Championship season, his involvement in possession was consistent with a full-back operating in a possession-based system. His passing accuracy and progressive carries demonstrate his ability to contribute to attacking build-up.
Out of Possession
Defensively, Cacace is a capable and physical presence. His speed allows him to recover effectively, and he contributes to defensive solidity. In the 2025-26 Championship season, he contributed to 5 clean sheets in 12 appearances, conceding only 3 goals during his time on the pitch. His defensive contributions include 7 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 14 clearances.
Psychological Edge
Cacace’s career is defined by resilience and adaptability. His move from New Zealand to Belgium at 19, and later to Italy, demonstrated a willingness to embrace new challenges. His decision to join Wrexham, despite interest from Italian clubs, reflected a desire to play in English football and be part of an ambitious project.
His response to injury setbacks during his first Wrexham season showcased his mental fortitude. He spoke positively about the experience, viewing it as a learning opportunity: “I guess every player has these times in their career where they have little blips and setbacks, but it’s how the person can bounce back from those setbacks.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 12 (8/4) | 721 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| FA Cup | 1 (1/0) | 60 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 13 (9/4) | 782 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2018 | Wellington Phoenix Reserves | New Zealand | 23 | 0 |
| 2018–2020 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 58 | 4 |
| 2020–2022 | Sint-Truiden | Belgian Pro League | 50 | 0 |
| 2022–2025 | Empoli | Serie A | 76 | 2 |
| 2025– | Wrexham | Championship | 12 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 219 | 6 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | 0 | Group Stage |
| OFC Nations Cup 2024 | — | — | Winners |
| U-20 World Cup 2019 | 3 | 0 | — |
| New Zealand Senior Career | 33+ | 1 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Professional Debut | First appearance for Wellington Phoenix |
| 2019 | First Professional Goal | Scored for Wellington Phoenix |
| 2019 | Young Player of the Year | Wellington Phoenix award |
| 2020 | European Move | Signed for Sint-Truiden |
| 2022 | Serie A Debut | First New Zealander in Serie A |
| 2022 | First International Goal | Scored against Tahiti |
| 2024 | OFC Nations Cup Winner | Won with New Zealand |
| 2025 | Wrexham Move | Joined EFL Championship club |
| 2026 | First FA Cup Goal | Scored against Nottingham Forest |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in New Zealand squad |
Trophy Haul
Cacace’s career includes significant silverware:
New Zealand:
- OFC Nations Cup: 2024
Individual:
- Wellington Phoenix Young Player of the Year: 2019
The Present Tense
Liberato Cacace is 25 years old and at a pivotal stage in his career. He is a left-back for Wrexham, a World Cup squad member, and one of New Zealand’s most experienced internationals.
The Wrexham Story
Cacace joined Wrexham in July 2025 and has become a key figure in the club’s defence despite an injury-hit first season. He signed a three-year deal until 2028 and has embraced the club’s ambitious project and global spotlight. His first season saw him make 12 league appearances and 1 FA Cup appearance, scoring his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest.
The World Cup Campaign
Cacace was named in Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The All Whites were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. Their campaign began against Iran on June 15 in Los Angeles, with subsequent matches against Egypt and Belgium. For Cacace, the tournament represented a chance to make history for New Zealand and personally redeem a challenging season.
International Record
Cacace has over 33 caps for New Zealand and has scored one international goal. He has represented New Zealand at the OFC Nations Cup and the World Cup, and was part of the 2024 OFC Nations Cup-winning side.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Cacace is defined by his multicultural heritage and his journey through European football. Born in Wellington to an Italian father from Massa Lubrense and a New Zealander mother of Italian descent, his identity reflects the diverse backgrounds that characterise modern football.
His early life was marked by hard work and sacrifice. He worked as a dishwasher in his parents’ pizzeria, ‘Bella Napoli’, while pursuing his football career. His father’s journey from Italy to New Zealand, a 25-hour journey to an unknown land, instilled in him the value of hard work and respect.
Cacace’s decision to join Wrexham was motivated by the club’s project and the opportunity to play in English football. He has spoken positively about the experience, describing the owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as down-to-earth and supportive.
He is described as a determined and humble player, someone who prioritises hard work and family. His father’s words, “Before you’re a footballer, you must be a man,” have been a guiding principle throughout his career.
The Verdict from the Camp
Darren Bazeley, New Zealand head coach:
Bazeley selected Cacace for the World Cup squad, valuing his experience and quality despite his injury-hit season.
Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager:
“We are delighted to welcome Libby to Wrexham and look forward to integrating him with the squad on our return home.”
BBC Sport:
“Wrexham left wing-back Liberato Cacace has been named in New Zealand’s World Cup squad. Injuries have limited the 25-year-old to only 13 appearances for the Welsh club this season.”
Steven Taylor, former Wellington Phoenix captain:
Cacace is “the best left-back in the league without a shadow of a doubt.”
RNZ:
“All Whites footballer Liberato Cacace has confirmed his move to newly promoted English Championship team Wrexham… The 24-year-old left-back made 76 appearances for Empoli across three seasons in Serie A.”
Where Next?
Liberato Cacace is 25 years old and under contract with Wrexham until 2028. His immediate future lies in the EFL Championship, where he will look to establish himself as a key figure following an injury-hit first season.
Club Outlook
Cacace’s three-year contract with Wrexham reflects the club’s belief in his importance. His first season was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to 13 appearances, but he returned to fitness for the World Cup and will look to build on his form in the 2026-27 season. Wrexham narrowly missed a Championship play-off berth last season and remain well placed to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
International Outlook
At 25, Cacace is in his prime. His World Cup experience will be invaluable for future tournaments. The 2027 OFC Nations Cup, which will serve as qualification for the 2028 FIFA World Cup, will be a significant opportunity for him to add to his 33 caps and one international goal. His experience in Serie A and the Championship makes him a key figure for the All Whites.
The Journey Continues
From Wellington to the World Cup, from the A-League to Serie A, from the family pizzeria to the global stage, Liberato Cacace’s journey is one of multicultural identity, resilience, and quiet determination. The boy who worked as a dishwasher in his parents’ restaurant is now a World Cup squad member and one of New Zealand’s most important players. His story is far from complete, and the next chapter promises to be as compelling as the journey that brought him here.
