PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Craig Old |
| Date of Birth | 13/08/2002 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 1.73 m / 5 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 66–73 kg / 146–161 lb |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Left Winger / Left-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #11 (Saint-Étienne) |
| Current Club | AS Saint-Étienne |
| Previous Clubs | Wellington Phoenix, Lower Hutt City (loan) |
| International Caps | 8+ |
| International Goals | 1+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 (option for further year) |
The Frozen Moment
The SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was a cauldron of noise. June 15, 2026. New Zealand and Iran were locked in a tense World Cup group stage encounter, and the All Whites were fighting to secure their first point of the tournament.
In the 68th minute, the call came. Ben Old, the 23-year-old who had been converted from an attacking midfielder to a left-back at AS Saint-Étienne, stripped off his tracksuit and prepared to enter the pitch. He replaced the left-sided player, took his place on the biggest stage of all, and played the final 22 minutes of the 2-2 draw.
The moment lasted just 22 minutes. But for the boy born in Auckland who had grown up balancing football and golf until the age of 16, who had been part of the Wellington Phoenix academy since he was 13, it was a moment of profound achievement. He had missed the Tokyo Olympics as a reserve, missed the Paris Olympics through injury, missed the U-20 World Cup due to COVID-19 cancellation, and now he was finally on the world’s biggest stage.
His World Cup campaign would see him make two substitute appearances, accumulating 48 minutes of tournament football. He would not score. But for the player who had reinvented himself from a forward to a full-back to earn his place in the squad, the World Cup was the culmination of a remarkable journey.
Origins
Benjamin Craig Old was born on August 13, 2002, in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up near the sea in Auckland, balancing early interests in football and golf—pursuing the latter recreationally until age 16 before fully committing to the sport.
His football journey began in Auckland, where he played for Hibiscus Coast and North Shore United before moving to Wellington to join the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy in 2018. He progressed through the ranks, making his senior debut for the Phoenix Reserves in 2019.
The Forge
Wellington Phoenix (2021–2024)
Old officially signed with Wellington Phoenix’s senior squad in 2021, making his A-League debut as a substitute in a 3–0 win over Western United. He famously nutmegged his defender with his first touch in professional football. He scored his first goal for the Phoenix on March 30, 2022, in a 3–0 victory over Brisbane Roar.
Over four seasons at Wellington Phoenix, Old made 68 league appearances (28 starts), accumulating 3,255 minutes, scoring 7 goals and providing 6 assists. The 2023-24 season was his most productive, with 27 appearances, 15 starts, 5 goals, and 4 assists. His technical ability, dribbling, and versatility made him a key player for the club.
He also had a brief loan spell at Lower Hutt City in 2021, making 6 appearances.
AS Saint-Étienne (2024–Present)
In July 2024, Old made the move to European football, signing for AS Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 on a contract running until 2028. The move represented a major step up in his career.
His debut season in France was challenging. He made just 2 Ligue 1 appearances before suffering a serious knee injury—an MCL and meniscus tear—in October 2024 that sidelined him for five months. He returned in late March 2025, reporting improved form upon recovery.
Following Saint-Étienne’s relegation to Ligue 2 for the 2025-26 season, Old found more opportunities. In Ligue 2, he has made 30 appearances (with significant minutes recorded), scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. Crucially, he also underwent a positional change—Saint-Étienne converted him from an attacking midfielder/forward to a left-back. The position, which had been a concern for his World Cup selection, proved to be a valuable addition to his versatility.
The Anatomy of His Game
Old is a versatile player defined by his technical ability, adaptability, and work rate. His journey from an attacking midfielder to a left-back is a testament to his footballing intelligence and willingness to learn.
In Possession:
Old’s technical ability is his standout attribute. He has excellent dribbling skills (rated 69 in EA SPORTS FC 26), agility (86), and balance (85), which allow him to beat defenders and progress the ball. His vision (65) and short passing (65) make him a capable creator. He has a strong left foot and can play in multiple attacking positions. His pace (82) is a major weapon, enabling him to stretch defences.
Out of Possession:
Old’s transition to left-back has added a new dimension to his game. He has developed his defensive awareness (50), standing tackle (58), and aggression (75), making him a capable defender. His stamina (75) allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch, and he has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the demands of a full-back role.
Psychological Edge:
Old’s mental resilience is perhaps his most remarkable attribute. He has overcome a serious knee injury that could have derailed his career, adapted to a new position, and earned a place in the World Cup squad. Speaking about his versatility, he said: “I think in moments like this, versatile players who can play in different positions and know how to master them can have a real advantage.” He has also drawn inspiration from national teammate Chris Wood, a role model for New Zealand footballers.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 2 | 30+ | 1,886 | 1 | 2 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 2 (0/2) | 48 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Friendlies | 2 (0/2) | 38 | 0 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 1 (1/0) | 71 | 0 | 0 | — |
TABLE B: Career (Senior League Career)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Saint-Étienne | Ligue 2 | 30+ | 1 | 2 |
| 2024/25 | Saint-Étienne | Ligue 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 27 | 5 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 17 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021/22 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 100+ | 8+ | 8+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| OFC Nations Cup 2024 | 4 | 1 | Winner |
| World Cup Qualifying | 2 | 0 | — |
| Friendlies | 10 | 1 | — |
| New Zealand Senior Career | 18+ | 2+ | 1 OFC Title |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Wellington Academy | Joined Phoenix academy aged 13 |
| 2019 | Senior Debut | Debuted for Phoenix Reserves |
| 2021 | A-League Debut | Debuted for Wellington Phoenix |
| 2022 | First A-League Goal | Scored against Brisbane Roar |
| 2022 | New Zealand Debut | Debut against Papua New Guinea |
| 2024 | Saint-Étienne Move | Signed for Ligue 1 club |
| 2024 | OFC Nations Cup Winner | Won continental title |
| 2024 | Serious Injury | MCL and meniscus tear, 5 months out |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Came off bench against Iran |
TABLE E: Honours and Achievements
| Competition | Position | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| OFC Nations Cup | Winner | 2024 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has experienced a meteoric rise through the ranks of New Zealand and European football. Old has accumulated over 100 senior appearances across the A-League and French leagues, scoring 8+ goals and providing 8+ assists. His international record—18+ caps, 2+ goals—reflects his importance to the New Zealand national team.
The Present Tense
Ben Old is 23 years old and at a crucial stage in his career. He is a key player for AS Saint-Étienne, an OFC Nations Cup winner, and a World Cup squad member.
The Saint-Étienne Story
Old joined Saint-Étienne in July 2024 and has since adapted to European football. Despite a serious knee injury that sidelined him for five months in his debut season, he has become a more regular presence in the squad and has successfully transitioned to a new position as a left-back.
The World Cup Campaign
Old was named in Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made two substitute appearances in the tournament:
- Group Stage vs Iran: Entered in the 68th minute and played the final 22 minutes of a 2-2 draw.
- Group Stage vs Belgium: Entered at half-time and played 45 minutes of a 5-1 defeat.
His versatility—able to play as a left-back or left winger—made him a valuable squad member. New Zealand’s World Cup campaign ended in the group stage.
International Record
Old has 18+ caps for New Zealand and has scored 2+ international goals. He was part of the OFC Nations Cup-winning squad in 2024, scoring in the tournament. He has represented New Zealand at multiple age levels, including U-17 and U-23.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Old is defined by his perseverance. He has overcome significant setbacks to reach the World Cup. He missed the Tokyo Olympics as a reserve and the Paris Olympics through injury, and the U-20 World Cup was cancelled due to COVID-19. Speaking about his journey, he said: “I think this level will be simply incomparable.”
His transition from attacking midfielder to left-back at Saint-Étienne was initially a concern for his international selection. However, he consulted with head coach Darren Bazeley early on: “I was worried about the impact that would have on my selection for the World Cup. But he gave me very good advice on that and he thinks it will only help the team.”
Quotes
Ben Old, speaking to New Zealand Radio:
“Of course, everyone would like to start with a victory. We know it’s a very important match for us. But we also know that all we can do is give our best. I think if we keep preparing like we are and implement our plan well, we have a very good chance of winning this game.”
Ben Old, on his versatility:
“I think in moments like this, versatile players who can play in different positions and know how to master them can have a real advantage. So, who knows where I’ll end up playing in these matches, but I’m ready to play in several positions and I hope I can help the team wherever I am on the pitch.”
The Verdict from the Camp
Darren Bazeley, New Zealand head coach:
Bazeley selected Old for the 2026 World Cup squad, valuing his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple positions.
AS Saint-Étienne:
The club’s official website confirmed Old’s World Cup debut appearance against Iran, highlighting his contribution to New Zealand’s historic point.
Where Next?
Ben Old is 23 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. He is under contract with AS Saint-Étienne until 2028, with an option for a further year. He has established himself as a versatile player capable of performing in multiple positions at both club and international level.
For New Zealand, he represents the future. With 18+ caps and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he is well-positioned to become a key figure for the All Whites in the coming years. His versatility and technical ability make him an ideal fit for the modern game.
For Saint-Étienne, he is a player of considerable potential. His ability to play left-back, left wing, or attacking midfield makes him a valuable asset as the club competes in Ligue 2 and aims for promotion back to Ligue 1.
From Auckland to the World Cup, Ben Old’s journey is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and the fulfilment of a childhood dream. The boy who missed three major international tournaments due to injury, illness, and circumstance finally made his mark on the world’s biggest stage. His career is a testament to the power of patience, hard work, and the ability to reinvent oneself.
