PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesse Carmichael Randall |
| Date of Birth | 19 August 2002 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 69 kg / 154 lbs |
| Position | Left Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | #21 (Auckland FC) |
| Current Club | Auckland FC |
| Previous Clubs | North Wellington, Tasman United (loan), Hawke’s Bay United (loan), Wellington Olympic, Charleston Battery |
| International Caps | 11 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 (Dundee United, pre-contract) |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team among 48 nations, had returned to the global stage for the first time in 16 years. For Jesse Randall, the journey to the world stage had been one of rapid ascent—from the New Zealand National League to the A-League, and finally to football’s greatest tournament in just a few years.
When Darren Bazeley confirmed his 26-man squad, Randall was among the five Auckland FC players selected. The 23-year-old winger had enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 season, scoring 9 goals and providing 8 assists in the A-League. Now, he was preparing to represent the All Whites on the biggest stage of all.
Randall featured in all three of New Zealand’s World Cup matches, coming off the bench against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium. In the final group match against Belgium, his corner kick delivery resulted in New Zealand’s goal—a moment that demonstrated his quality on the world stage. The boy from Wellington who had started his career in regional football had announced himself on football’s greatest stage.
The World Cup campaign was the culmination of a remarkable journey. From a brief trial at Barnsley to a stint with Charleston Battery in the United States, from Wellington Olympic to Auckland FC, Randall had earned his place through consistent performance and an unwavering belief in his own abilities. His selection for the World Cup squad—alongside fellow Auckland FC players Francis de Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Michael Woud, and Callan Elliot—reflected the growing influence of New Zealand’s professional setup.
Origins
Jesse Carmichael Randall was born on August 19, 2002, in Wellington, New Zealand. His footballing journey began in the New Zealand domestic system, where he played for Miramar Rangers and North Wellington. His regional football career started with North Wellington in 2019, and he went on loan to Tasman United and Hawke’s Bay United during his time at the club.
At just 17 years old, Randall burst onto the scene in New Zealand’s top flight, enjoying loan spells with Island Bay United and Tasman United. His early experiences in the New Zealand football system provided the foundation for his development.
His talent was recognized early on the international stage. He represented New Zealand at the U-17 level, playing all three matches at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, helping the team secure a 1-0 victory over Canada. He progressed through the age groups and represented New Zealand at the U-23 level. By 2024, he had earned selection for the New Zealand Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Oceania and American Forge
North Wellington, Tasman United, and Hawke’s Bay United (2019-2021):
Randall’s senior career began with North Wellington in 2019, where he played regional football. During his time at the club, he went on loan to Tasman United and Hawke’s Bay United, gaining valuable experience in the New Zealand Premiership.
Wellington Olympic (2022-2023):
In 2022, Randall moved to Wellington Olympic, a club where he would truly flourish. Across 22 appearances for the club, he scored 17 goals and registered 9 assists. He fired them to successive regional title triumphs with 24 strikes across three terms at Wakefield Park. His head coach at Wellington Olympic, Rupert Kemeys, praised him highly: “Jesse is a quality player. For a young guy he is ridiculously good. The biggest thing for me compared to other players his age in New Zealand is his finishing.”
Charleston Battery (2023):
In 2023, Randall moved to the United States, signing with Charleston Battery in the United Soccer League. The move was a significant step, taking him 8,000 miles from home to pursue his professional career. He described the opportunity: “I was looking to make the next step in my career, and Charleston presented me with a great opportunity. It’s a dynamic club in a great location.”
Auckland FC (2024-Present):
On July 1, 2024, Randall signed for the newly formed Auckland FC in the A-League. He debuted against Brisbane Roar and scored his first goal for the club against the Wellington Phoenix in a 6-1 win.
The 2024-25 season saw him make 17 appearances during the Black Knights’ debut A-League campaign, contributing four goal involvements to their surge to the top of the table. Auckland FC made history by becoming the first New Zealand-based outfit to secure the A-League title.
The 2025-26 season was Randall’s breakthrough. He made 26 A-League appearances, accumulating 2,110 minutes. He scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists across the campaign. No player in the A-League took more shots or touches in the opposition’s penalty area than Randall that season. He was a constant threat, thriving alongside former Aberdeen forward Sam Cosgrove. Speaking at the tail end of 2025, Randall reflected: “I’ve been confident in the way I’ve been playing. I’ve got a lot of confidence from the coaches. Consistent game time the past few months has given me that confidence.”
Dundee United (Future):
On January 29, 2026, it was announced that Randall had signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United. He will arrive at Tannadice in the summer upon the expiry of his deal with Auckland FC on an initial two-year deal with a club-held option of an additional 12 months.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jesse Randall is a dynamic left winger and forward defined by his speed, skill, attacking flair, and exceptional finishing ability. Standing at 1.76 meters, he combines agility with intelligent movement in the final third.
In Possession:
Randall’s finishing is his defining quality. His coach at Wellington Olympic described him as “ridiculously good” in front of goal. In the 2025-26 A-League season, he scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists. He is a creative force, registering 9 assists during his time at Wellington Olympic. His ability to operate as a left winger, right winger, or centre forward gives his coaches tactical flexibility. He leads the A-League in shots and touches in the opposition’s penalty area.
Out of Possession:
Randall’s defensive contributions are developing. In the 2025-26 A-League season, he has demonstrated consistent availability—making 26 league appearances. At the World Cup, he recorded no yellow or red cards.
Psychological Edge:
Randall’s mental resilience is evident in his career trajectory. From the New Zealand National League to the A-League and the World Cup, he has consistently risen to the challenges presented to him. His late call-up to the All Whites in November 2025 demonstrated his readiness to perform: “I’m always ready to pick up the phone if it’s being rung by [Bazeley].” His comments reflect a player who is confident and prepared for the demands of international football.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Shot Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-League | 26 | 2,110 | 9 | 6 | League leader | Led league in shots and penalty area touches |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Sub appearances vs Iran, Egypt, Belgium |
| TOTAL | 29 | 2,110+ | 9 | 6 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Wellington Olympic | National League | 22 | 17 |
| 2023 | Charleston Battery | USL | — | — |
| 2024-25 | Auckland FC | A-League | 17 | — |
| 2025-26 | Auckland FC | A-League | 26 | 9 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 73+ | 18 |
TABLE C: International Record (2024-2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U17 World Cup 2019 | 3 | 0 | 1-0 win vs Canada |
| Paris 2024 Olympics | 3 | 1 | Scored vs USA |
| OFC Nations Cup 2024 | — | 1 | Came off bench to score and assist in final |
| Senior Friendlies | — | — | Scored vs USA |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Sub appearances |
| TOTAL | 11 | 2 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | U17 World Cup | Represented New Zealand U17 |
| 2022 | Wellington Olympic Breakthrough | 17 goals in 22 appearances |
| 2023 | Charleston Battery Move | Signed for USL club |
| 2024 | Auckland FC Debut | Signed for new A-League club |
| 2024 | Paris Olympics | Represented New Zealand Olympic team |
| 2024 | OFC Nations Cup Winner | Scored and assisted in final |
| 2024-25 | A-League Champion | Auckland FC first title |
| 2025-26 | A-League Breakthrough | 9 goals, 6 assists |
| 2025-26 | A-League Shot Leader | Most shots and penalty area touches |
| 2026 | Dundee United Pre-Contract | Signed for Scottish Premiership club |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in New Zealand squad |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable productivity and rapid progression. Randall has scored 18 goals in 73+ career appearances by age 23. His 2025-26 season was the most productive of his career—9 goals and 6 assists in the A-League. He led the league in shots and penalty area touches, demonstrating his attacking threat. His international record—11 caps and 2 goals—reflects a player who is a regular presence for the All Whites. His selection for the 2026 World Cup represents the pinnacle of his career to date.
The Present Tense
Jesse Randall is 23 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is Auckland FC’s star winger, a New Zealand international, and a World Cup performer.
The Auckland FC Story:
Randall joined Auckland FC in 2024 and has been a key player for the club. The 2025-26 season was his breakthrough campaign—26 appearances, 9 goals, and 6 assists. He led the A-League in shots and penalty area touches, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous attackers. He was part of the Auckland FC squad that won the A-League championship in 2024-25. He has signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, with the move taking effect in the summer of 2026.
The World Cup Campaign:
Randall was named in Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He featured as a substitute in all three of New Zealand’s group matches against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium. Against Belgium, his corner kick delivery resulted in New Zealand’s goal. His appearances at the tournament, though limited, represented the pinnacle of his career to date.
International Record:
Randall has earned 11 caps for New Zealand’s senior team, scoring 2 goals. He represented New Zealand at the 2019 U17 World Cup, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and scored at the 2024 Olympics against the USA. He also scored and provided an assist in the OFC Nations Cup Final, helping New Zealand to a 3-0 victory over Vanuatu. He received a surprise All Whites call-up in November 2025 and has been a regular presence in the national team setup since.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jesse Randall is defined by his journey from the New Zealand National League to the World Cup and a move to Scottish football. Born in Wellington, he has developed into one of New Zealand’s most exciting attacking talents.
His journey exemplifies the possibilities available to New Zealand players who combine talent with determination. From North Wellington to Tasman United, from Hawke’s Bay United to Wellington Olympic, and from Charleston Battery to Auckland FC, Randall has consistently earned his opportunities through performance.
His brief trial with Barnsley in January 2023, where no offer proved forthcoming, was a setback. However, he used the experience as motivation, continuing to develop in New Zealand and the United States before securing his move to Auckland FC.
His international call-up in November 2025 came as a surprise, but he was ready: “I’m always ready to pick up the phone if it’s being rung by [Bazeley].” His confidence and work ethic have been key to his development.
His move to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership represents the next step in his career, following in the footsteps of other A-League players who have successfully transitioned to the Scottish game.
The Verdict from the Camp
Rupert Kemeys, Wellington Olympic head coach:
“Jesse is a quality player. For a young guy he is ridiculously good. The biggest thing for me compared to other players his age in New Zealand is his finishing.”
Darren Bazeley, New Zealand head coach:
Bazeley named Randall in the 26-man World Cup squad, alongside five Auckland FC players.
Jesse Randall, on his All Whites call-up:
“I’m always ready to pick up the phone if it’s being rung by [Bazeley].”
Jesse Randall, on his A-League form:
“I’ve been confident in the way I’ve been playing. I’ve got a lot of confidence from the coaches. Consistent game time the past few months has given me that confidence. I’m happy with how things are going.”
Where Next?
Jesse Randall is 23 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is set to move to Scottish Premiership side Dundee United on a pre-contract agreement, arriving in the summer of 2026 upon the expiry of his Auckland FC deal.
For New Zealand, he is a key attacking player. His performances at the 2026 World Cup—featuring in all three matches—have demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. With 11 caps and 2 goals, he will be central to New Zealand’s ambitions in future tournaments, including the OFC Nations Cup and the 2030 World Cup.
For Dundee United, he represents an exciting attacking addition. His 2025-26 season—9 goals, 6 assists, league-leading shot volume—has established him as a genuine attacking threat. The Scottish Premiership provides an opportunity to test himself in a competitive European league.
For Auckland FC, his departure marks the end of a successful chapter. He was one of the club’s first signings and played a key role in their championship-winning campaign.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from the New Zealand National League to the A-League and the World Cup in just a few years. He has earned his place through consistent performance and an attacking flair that has made him one of the most exciting prospects in New Zealand football.
The boy from Wellington who made his debut with North Wellington has become an Auckland FC star, a New Zealand international, and a World Cup performer. Jesse Randall’s journey is a story of talent, determination, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
