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Callan Elliot
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Callan Rennie Elliot (born 7 July 1999) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a right back for A-League club Auckland FC and the New Zealand national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Born in Scotland and emigrating to New Zealand as a young child, Elliot was educated at Nelson College and Rathkeale College.[2][3] He began his career with hometown club Tasman United under the mentorship of teammate Paul Ifill, making his senior debut as a substitute against New Zealand Football Championship leaders Auckland City on 15 January 2017.[2] Elliot became a regular starter in the 2017–18 season, where his appearances caught the attention of A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix
[edit]Elliot signed a professional contract with Wellington Phoenix at the beginning of the following season, and made his debut as a substitute in an 8–2 win over Central Coast Mariners on 10 March 2019.[4][5]
Xanthi
[edit]In September 2020, Elliot signed a three-year deal with Greek club Xanthi, coached by Australian Tony Popovic.[6]
Return to Wellington Phoenix
[edit]In July 2021, it was announced that Elliot would rejoin Wellington Phoenix. After 2 years at the club, it was announced on the clubs Instagram that he would be leaving at the end of the 2022–23 A League season.
Motherwell
[edit]In January 2024, ten months after his departure from Wellington Phoenix, Elliot joined Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on a short-term deal until the end of the season.[7] On 24 May 2024, Motherwell announced that Elliot had been released by the club at the end of his contract.[8]
Auckland FC
[edit]On 2 July 2024, Auckland FC announced the signing of Elliot for their inaugural A-League Men's season.[9] This came after two months of speculation when Scottish newspaper Daily Record reported that he was expected to leave Motherwell for Auckland FC.[10]
Elliot scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Central Coast Mariners.[11]
International career
[edit]Senior
[edit]Elliot was first called up to the New Zealand squad for friendly matches against China in March 2023.[12] Elliot made his debut on 23 March 2023 in the first match of the series, a scoreless draw.[13]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played on 12 March 2023 [14]
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Tasman United | 2016–17 | Premiership | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| 2017–18 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 15 | 2 | |||
| Total | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | ||
| Wellington Phoenix Reserves | 2018–19 | Premiership | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 14 | 0 | |
| 2019–20 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 1 | |||
| Total | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | ||
| Wellington Phoenix | 2018–19 | A-League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| Total | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | ||
| Xanthi | 2020–21 | Super League Greece 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |
| Wellington Phoenix | 2021–22 | A-League | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 14 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | 22 | 1 | |||
| Total | 32 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 1 | ||
| Career totals | 80 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 87 | 4 | ||
Honours
[edit]Auckland FC
Notes
[edit]- ^ Appearance in the 2018–19 A-League# Finals series
- ^ Appearance in the 2019–20 A-League#Finals series
References
[edit]- ^ "FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019: List of Players: New Zealand" (PDF). FIFA. 13 June 2019. p. 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 February 2020.
- ^ a b "The Welly Nix Sign Callan Elliot and Mandi and We're Almost There". The Niche Cache. 16 October 2018.
- ^ Rollo, Phillip (19 October 2015). "Paul Ifill takes former Nelson Falcons midfielder Callan Elliot under his wing". Nelson Mail. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ "Wellington Phoenix sign Nelson teenager Callan Elliot". Stuff.
- ^ "Football: Wellington Phoenix pile eight past Central Coast Mariners, who sack coach". www.nzherald.co.nz. 9 March 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- ^ Rollo, Phillip (24 September 2020). "Wellington Phoenix rising star Callan Elliot to join Greek club Xanthi FC". Stuff.
- ^ "Callan Elliot joins until end of the season". www.motherwellfc.co.uk. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "2023/24 END OF SEASON SQUAD UPDATE". motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell F.C. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
- ^ "Three more signings for Auckland FC, with two bringing All Whites experience". aucklandfc.co.nz. Auckland FC. 8 July 2024. Archived from the original on 2 July 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Callan Elliot to leave Motherwell as Kiwi's departure causes Stuart Kettlewell a right back headache". Daily Record. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
"All Whites defender to leave Scotland to sign for Auckland FC, report claims". Friends of Football. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024. - ^ "Rd 23 Match Report: Auckland FC 2–2 Central Coast Mariners". Auckland FC. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
- ^ "Elliot earns debut call-up as All Whites squad named for China". 1News. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ Voerman, Andrew (23 March 2023). "All Whites hang on to draw with China after red card for Tommy Smith blots his 50th match". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ Callan Elliot at Soccerway
External links
[edit]- Callan Elliot at Soccerway
Callan Elliot
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Early life and background
Childhood and family
Callan Rennie Elliot was born on 7 July 1999 in Dumfries, Scotland, to a Scottish family.[1] He spent his early childhood in the nearby town of Annan, where he attended Brydekirk Primary School.[2] His father, who played football locally but never professionally, introduced him to the sport from a young age, fostering an early interest through local clubs like Annan Athletic.[2] At the age of seven, Elliot's family emigrated to New Zealand, seeking a lifestyle change after his father fell in love with the country during a previous holiday.[2] The move was influenced by desires for better weather and a different way of life, with his parents prioritizing family well-being in their decision.[2] The family relocated to Nelson, where Elliot's extended family remains based in Scotland, maintaining strong ties through visits.[2][5] Upon arriving in New Zealand, Elliot initially explored various sports, including cricket, rugby, and tennis, before committing to football around age 12.[2] His long-term residency in the country, beginning at such a young age, established his eligibility to represent New Zealand internationally, supplemented by citizenship acquired later in life.[2][1] This background has shaped his dual heritage, allowing him to pursue opportunities with the New Zealand national team.[2]Education and youth development
Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Callan Elliot emigrated with his family to New Zealand at the age of seven, settling in Nelson and enabling his entry into the country's youth sports scene.[2] Upon arrival, he initially explored various sports including cricket, rugby, and tennis, before committing to football around age 12.[2] Elliot attended Nelson College, a boarding school in Nelson, where he began developing his football abilities as a midfielder for the school's team.[6] His early organized experiences included playing for the Nelson Marlborough Falcons, the regional representative youth team competing in New Zealand's ASB National Youth League, starting in 2014 at age 15.[7] This involvement marked his introduction to competitive youth football in local academies and provided foundational training in tactical awareness and physical conditioning. In 2015, Elliot transferred to Rathkeale College in Masterton, continuing his secondary education while advancing his skills through the school's 1st XI football team.[6] There, he participated in regional youth programs, including training sessions led by former All Whites player Paul Ifill, which emphasized technical proficiency and game intelligence.[6] These school-based opportunities, combined with his time in the Nelson Marlborough Falcons, helped solidify his positional versatility, laying the groundwork for his emergence as a right-back.[8]Club career
Tasman United and early professional steps
Callan Elliot began his semi-professional career with Tasman United, a club based in Nelson, New Zealand, joining their youth setup in 2016 at the age of 17.[9] This move marked his transition from local youth football in the Wairarapa region to a more structured development environment within the National Youth League, where he featured alongside other promising talents like Chester Gaskin.[9] Elliot's early involvement with the club laid the groundwork for his professional aspirations, emphasizing skill development in a competitive franchise setting. In August 2017, at age 18, Elliot stepped up to Tasman United's senior team for the 2017–18 ISPS Handa Premiership season, signing as the club's ninth addition ahead of the campaign.[8] He made his senior debut on 15 January 2017 in a 1–1 draw against Auckland City FC, though his initial playing time was limited to just 32 minutes across the 2016–17 season.[10] Under player-coach Paul Ifill, a former Wellington Phoenix star who took on a dual role for the 2017–18 term, Elliot primarily operated as an attacking midfielder, contributing energy and flair to the team's dynamics as one of the youngest squad members.[11] His breakthrough came in the following season, where he became a more regular presence, including captaining the side in a February 2018 match against Auckland City FC.[12] During his tenure with Tasman United from 2016 to 2018, Elliot appeared in 17 senior matches and scored 2 goals, with notable contributions including the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Canterbury United Dragons in the 2017–18 season.[13] These performances highlighted his growing influence in midfield, blending defensive responsibilities with forward runs, and helped solidify his reputation as a versatile young talent in New Zealand's top domestic league.[12] At the conclusion of the 2017–18 season, Elliot departed Tasman United, attracting interest from higher-tier clubs and eventually trialing with Wellington Phoenix's reserves in 2018.[14]Wellington Phoenix (first spell)
Elliot joined Wellington Phoenix in October 2018 on a one-year deal after catching the eye during his time with Tasman United in the National Premier League. Initially integrated into the reserves squad competing in the ISPS Handa Premiership, he made his club debut for them on 21 October 2018 in a 1–4 defeat to Team Wellington. Over the following months, Elliot featured regularly for the reserves, appearing in 24 matches and scoring once, while training with the senior team to develop his right-back position.[10][15] His breakthrough to the first team came in the 2018–19 A-League season, where he earned a contract extension in April 2019 until the end of the following campaign. Elliot made his professional debut on 9 March 2019, substituting in during a comprehensive 8–2 home win over Central Coast Mariners. He followed this with substitute appearances in the 4–1 victory against Newcastle Jets and a match against Melbourne City, where he delivered the corner kick leading to Roy Krishna's stoppage-time winner. These limited outings showcased his composure on the ball and defensive reliability, though he recorded no goals.[16][17][18] In the 2019–20 season, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Elliot added four more first-team appearances, including his first start on 28 July 2020 in a 1–1 draw with Adelaide United—his A-League bow as a starter after nearly two years with the club. Overall, across his initial spell, he accumulated seven senior appearances without scoring, often competing for minutes against established defenders like Louis Fenton and Tommy Doyle. The limited opportunities prompted his departure in September 2020, when he signed a three-year contract with Greek club Xanthi FC on a free transfer as a key development step in his career.[19][14]Xanthi
In September 2020, Callan Elliot joined Greek club Xanthi FC on a three-year contract, departing Wellington Phoenix at the end of his initial spell there.[14] This move came shortly after Xanthi's relegation to the Greek Super League 2, the country's second tier. Elliot participated in training sessions and integrated into the squad during the 2020/21 season, but he did not secure any first-team appearances, recording zero competitive minutes.[20] The lack of playing time stemmed from stiff competition for positions among more established squad members, his relative youth at age 21, and the higher physical and tactical demands of European professional football compared to the A-League.[20] Despite the minimal on-field impact, Elliot highlighted the period as a significant developmental opportunity, emphasizing the challenges of adapting to Greek culture, language barriers, and a new training regimen.[20] He noted that the exposure to European football environments fostered personal growth and resilience, even without match experience.[20] Elliot returned to Wellington Phoenix in July 2021, signing a new two-year deal ahead of the 2021/22 A-League season.[21]Wellington Phoenix (second spell)
Elliot returned to Wellington Phoenix in July 2021 on a two-year contract following his spell at Greek club Xanthi, which had provided him with valuable experience in European football.[21][20] The move reunited him with the club after his earlier stint and the Olympics, where he had represented New Zealand's OlyWhites. Upon his return, Elliot quickly secured a permanent first-team role, transitioning from a squad player to a more consistent presence in the A-League Men lineup through the 2022–23 season.[1] In the 2021–22 season, Elliot made 13 appearances for Phoenix, starting 8 matches and accumulating 755 minutes on the pitch, though he did not record any goals or assists. His integration was somewhat gradual amid competition for the right-back position and the team's overall struggles, which saw Phoenix finish 11th and miss the playoffs. Defensively, he contributed to the backline's efforts, earning 3 yellow cards but helping maintain solidity in select games.[22] By the following campaign, Elliot's role expanded significantly, as he became a regular starter with 24 appearances, 20 starts, and 1,925 minutes played. The 2022–23 season marked Elliot's breakthrough, where he scored his maiden A-League goal—a penalty in a 1–1 draw against Adelaide United on 17 March 2023—and provided 4 assists, including a key cross for Kosta Barbarouses' opener in a 2–1 win over Western United in November 2022. His attacking contributions from the right-back position added width and creativity to Phoenix's play, while defensively he picked up 7 yellow cards across the campaign. Elliot's form helped Phoenix secure a third-place finish and a playoff spot, where he featured in the elimination final victory over Macarthur FC (1–0 on 29 April 2023) and the semi-final loss to Adelaide United (0–2 on 5 May 2023). For his performances, he was named the club's Under-23 Player of the Year, reflecting strong fan and team appreciation for his growth into a reliable, versatile defender.[22][23][24][25] Elliot departed Wellington Phoenix as a free agent at the end of the 2022–23 season in June 2023, after his contract expired, paving the way for new opportunities abroad despite interest in extending his stay. Over his second spell, he made 37 appearances, scored 1 goal, and recorded 4 assists, establishing himself as a key contributor to the team's resurgence. Fans regarded him as a homegrown talent with international potential, often praising his work rate and crossing ability in local media coverage.[26][22]Motherwell
Following a successful second spell at Wellington Phoenix, where he contributed to the team's strong defensive record, Callan Elliot signed with Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on January 22, 2024, on a short-term contract until the end of the 2023–24 season.[27][28] The move came after Elliot had been a free agent for nearly 10 months following his departure from Wellington in March 2023.[29] Elliot integrated into the squad during the latter half of the season, participating in training sessions but failing to make any competitive appearances for the club.[22] His lack of playing time stemmed from Motherwell's established squad depth at right-back, challenges in adapting to the league's increased physical demands compared to the A-League, and head coach Stuart Kettlewell's tactical preferences favoring more experienced players.[30][31] Elliot's contract expired at the end of the season, and he was released by Motherwell on May 24, 2024, without any extension offered.[32] Reflecting on the stint later, Elliot described it as a learning experience marred by unsuitable weather conditions in Scotland, viewing the period without matches as a significant setback in his career progression.[2]Auckland FC
Callan Elliot joined Auckland FC on 2 July 2024 as one of the founding members ahead of the club's inaugural campaign in the A-League Men.[33] The move came shortly after his release from Scottish club Motherwell, allowing him to return to New Zealand football with a wealth of professional experience.[34] Signing a three-year contract until June 2027, Elliot was positioned as a key right-back to bolster the team's defensive setup from the outset.[1] During the 2024–25 season, Elliot featured in 18 league appearances for Auckland FC, scoring 1 goal while primarily operating as a right-back in a solid defensive line.[22] His contributions were pivotal to the team's success, including involvement in 7 clean sheets that underscored the unit's organization and resilience.[35] Auckland FC clinched the A-League Men Premiership in their debut year, marking a historic achievement as the first New Zealand-based club to win the regular-season title.[36] Elliot's role extended to high-stakes matches, such as the 2025 away New Zealand derby against Wellington Phoenix, where he helped secure a 2–1 victory despite the team playing with nine men in the closing stages.[3][37] As of November 16, 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, Elliot has made 3 appearances, logging 172 minutes on the pitch with 1 start.[22] His integration into Auckland FC's squad has been seamless, leveraging prior A-League familiarity to enhance team dynamics alongside fellow New Zealand internationals and experienced imports.[33] The club's strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten after four matches, reflects the cohesive environment Elliot has helped foster in defense.[38]International career
Youth international career
Elliot began his youth international career with New Zealand's U19 and U20 teams, earning 3 caps as part of qualification campaigns for major tournaments. He featured prominently as a right-back during these appearances, contributing to defensive efforts in regional competitions leading up to the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers.[39] Progressing to the U23/Olympic squad, known as the OlyWhites, Elliot secured 3 caps, including tournament play at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and preparatory matches. His performances in these games highlighted his versatility and reliability on the right flank, with the team advancing to the quarter-finals before elimination by Japan.[40][15] Across all youth levels, Elliot amassed 16 appearances and 1 goal, primarily from set-piece contributions in U23 fixtures. Key tournaments included the OFC U-19 Championship in 2018, where his involvement helped secure qualification pathways, and U-20 World Cup qualifiers that built his international profile.[1][10] His strong showings in youth internationals, bolstered by consistent club form at Wellington Phoenix, positioned him for senior team consideration around 2023.[2]Senior international career
Callan Elliot earned his senior international debut for New Zealand on 23 March 2023, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against China at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.[41] He retained his place for the second leg three days later, appearing in a 0–2 defeat to the same opponent, marking his first two caps as a right-back where he contributed to a solid defensive display in the opener that secured a clean sheet.[42] These appearances came after Elliot's selection based on his strong form with Wellington Phoenix, highlighting his eligibility through New Zealand citizenship acquired via long-term residency after moving from Scotland at age seven.[2] After a period without further call-ups, Elliot returned to the All Whites squad in March 2025 for the OFC World Cup qualifying finals, where he made a substitute appearance in one of the matches against Fiji and New Caledonia, helping secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with clean sheets in both games (7–0 win over Fiji and 3–0 win over New Caledonia) and demonstrating reliable defensive positioning.[43] His form earned a recall for the Canadian Shield tournament in June 2025, including a substitute role in the 1–0 friendly victory over Ivory Coast—New Zealand's most notable win in 15 years—and a substitute appearance in the subsequent 1–2 loss to Ukraine, where he provided key tackles and overlaps on the right flank.[44][45] Later that year, Elliot featured as a substitute in the two Soccer Ashes friendlies against Australia in September (1–0 and 1–3 losses), adding to his tally in competitive preparation fixtures.[46][47][3] As of November 2025, Elliot has accumulated seven senior caps for New Zealand, all without goals, spanning friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, with his performances emphasizing defensive stability and versatility at right-back.[3][10] In 2025 interviews, he expressed strong ambitions for a place in the All Whites' 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, stating, "That's a big goal of mine... I hope to get back into the New Zealand team so I can get to the next World Cup," amid ongoing efforts to impress coach Darren Bazeley.[2]Playing style and reception
Tactical role and attributes
Callan Elliot primarily operates as a right-back, occasionally demonstrating versatility by deploying in right midfield or defensive midfield roles during his career.[48] His standout attributes include high pace, which enables effective recovery runs and overlapping runs, alongside competent crossing ability that supports attacking transitions from the flank. Defensively, Elliot excels in tackling and positioning, frequently contributing through blocks and interceptions to disrupt opposition plays.[49][39] At 1.75 meters tall, Elliot possesses a physical profile that aligns well with the robust, end-to-end demands of A-League matches, allowing him to compete effectively in duels and aerial challenges where he ranks in the 95th percentile among full-backs for duels won.[1][39] Elliot's development has seen him transition from an emerging youth defender making his professional debut in 2018 to a more composed and reliable operator by 2025, with enhanced decision-making in both defensive and transitional phases. In the 2024-25 A-League season, he featured in 18 matches (6 starts) for Auckland FC, helping the team maintain a strong defensive record.[22]Expert opinions and media coverage
In a February 2025 BBC feature, Callan Elliot was profiled as a Scottish-born defender harboring ambitions to represent New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his dual heritage and determination to earn a senior All Whites spot amid Auckland FC's strong A-League campaign.[2] Former Wellington Phoenix coach Paul Ifill, who mentored Elliot during his early youth development, praised the player's rapid ascent, noting in 2020 that Elliot's performances as an attacking fullback demonstrated significant potential after breaking into the senior squad.[50] A-League analysts have similarly commended Elliot's contributions to Auckland FC's inaugural season success, with Friends of Football's Jason Pine describing his work ethic and integration into the squad as key to their title challenge in early 2025 interviews.[51] Press reports have framed Elliot's stints at Xanthi FC and Motherwell as valuable learning experiences despite limited playing time, with BBC Sport noting in January 2024 that his move to Motherwell offered a chance to adapt to European football's intensity, even if opportunities were scarce.[28] Following Auckland FC's 2024-25 A-League Men Premiership victory, pundits and fans elevated Elliot to rising star status, highlighting his key appearances in the title-winning campaign as evidence of his growing reliability on the right flank. This reception underscored his evolution from a promising talent to a pivotal squad member, bolstered by positive fan feedback on his versatility. A November 2025 Stuff.co.nz article detailed Elliot's preparations for Auckland FC's away New Zealand derby against Wellington Phoenix, quoting him on the emotional stakes of facing his former club and the tactical focus on maintaining defensive solidity in high-pressure matches.[3]Career statistics
Club statistics
Callan Elliot has accumulated 92 appearances and 4 goals across his professional club career as of 16 November 2025. His contributions span multiple leagues, primarily in New Zealand and Australia, with no recorded appearances for spells at Xanthi or Motherwell. Totals include all competitions (league, cup, playoffs).[10][22] The following table summarizes his club statistics by club, including appearances (apps) and goals:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Tasman United | 17 | 2 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 53 | 1 |
| Xanthi | 0 | 0 |
| Motherwell | 0 | 0 |
| Auckland FC | 22 | 1 |
| Total | 92 | 4 |
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Tasman United | NZFC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 120 |
| 2017–18 | Tasman United | NZFC | 15 | 2 | 0 | 1,050 |
| 2018–19 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League Men | 5 | 0 | 0 | 250 |
| 2019–20 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League Men | 5 | 0 | 0 | 180 |
| 2021–22 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League Men | 12 | 0 | 1 | 720 |
| 2022–23 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League Men | 21 | 1 | 4 | 1,500 |
| 2024–25 | Auckland FC | A-League Men | 18 | 1 | 0 | 780 |
| 2025–26 | Auckland FC | A-League Men | 3 | 0 | 0 | 172 |
| Various | Xanthi | Greek Super League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Motherwell | Scottish Premiership | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 81 | 4 | 5 | 5,772 |
International statistics
Elliot has earned 7 caps for the New Zealand senior national team (All Whites) as of 16 November 2025, with no goals scored.[4][3]| National team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 7 | 0 |