Wellington Phoenix have secured the signing of Mexican striker Rafael Durán on a two-year contract as they prepare for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season. The 28-year-old becomes the first new visa player for the Phoenix ahead of the upcoming campaign, following his previous stint with Macarthur FC.

Durán's Previous Season

During the last season with Macarthur FC, Durán made 24 appearances, netting four goals and providing two assists, despite often playing out of position. He expressed his eagerness to prove himself at Wellington, stating, “I’m very happy to have joined the Phoenix. It’s a big club in the league and when I played in Wellington last season I loved the stadium, I loved the city, the weather and the people.”

Role and Expectations

Durán is looking forward to contributing to the team, emphasizing his natural position as a central striker. He noted, “Football is easy when you feel comfortable on the pitch and that’s when you play your best.” With the departure of last season’s top scorer Ifeanyi Eze, the Phoenix were in search of a new central striker. Head Coach Chris Greenacre believes Durán’s skill set aligns well with the team's playing style, highlighting his link play, dribbling ability, and physical presence.

As he joins the Phoenix, Durán has set a personal goal of scoring ten or more goals this season while also focusing on assisting his teammates. He remarked, “I’m not a traditional nine that’s always in the box. I’m more of a nine that’s fast.” With high expectations for the upcoming season, Durán aims to make a significant impact at Wellington Phoenix.