Francis de Vries

Francis de Vries (; born 28 November 1994) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays for A-League club Auckland FC and the New Zealand national team.

Club career Canterbury United De Vries played for Canterbury United in his youth. He played in the team which won the ASB Premiership Youth League in 2011.

FC Basel De Vries was initially scouted to attend the APFA Academy in Christchurch, New Zealand, under the guidance of professional coaches Giovani Fernandes and Jess Ibrom. The academy had a direct relationship with Chelsea FC as well as a number of professional clubs all around the World including FC Basel in Switzerland. In 2012, De Vries would sign a six month contract with their Under-18s side.

Saint Francis University Following his release by Basel, de Vries opted to move to the United States to play college soccer at Saint Francis University, where he played for four years and made 79 appearances, scoring 15 goals.

While at college, de Vries played with Premier Development League side Michigan Bucks.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 On 13 January 2017, de Vries was selected in the second round (29th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He signed to Whitecaps FC 2 on 16 March 2017.

Canterbury United FC On 24 November 2017, de Vries signed with ISPS Handa Premiership side Canterbury United FC.

Nyköpings BIS On 21 July 2018, de Vries signed with Nyköpings BIS in the Division 1 Norra.

IFK Värnamo In January 2019, de Vries joined Division 1 Södra side IFK Värnamo. He played a key part in his club's consecutive promotions to the Allsvenskan and appeared in their first eleven top-flight games, but suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in July 2022 and returned to New Zealand to recover.

Eastern Suburbs In 2023 following his return from injury, de Vries signed with Semi-Professional side Eastern Suburbs in the New Zealand Northern League.

Auckland FC On 30 May 2024, de Vries joined Auckland FC as one of 4 inaugural sigings. On 30 November, de Vries scored his first A-League goal in a 2–0 win over the Newcastle Jets. He later won the Members' Player of the Season award for the 2024–25 season. De Vries would feature in Auckland FC's first 50 matches, becoming the first player to play 50 matches for the club, before suffering a calf injury which ruled him out for 6 weeks.

International career Born in New Zealand, de Vries is of Dutch and Swiss descent. On 16 November 2021, de Vries made his international debut for New Zealand as a 95th minute substitute in a friendly match against The Gambia. De Vries scored his first goal for the All Whites in a World Cup qualifying match against Samoa, an 8–0 win at Go Media Stadium.

On 14 May 2026, de Vries was named in the 26-man New Zealand squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics Club

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 18 November 2024 Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand 6–0 8–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours IFK Värnamo Superettan: 2021

Auckland FC A-League Premiership: 2024–25 A-League Men Championship: 2026

Individual A-League Men Player of the Month: December 2024, December 2025 Auckland FC Members' Player of the Season: 2024–25 A-League Men Fan Player of the Year: 2024–25 PFA Team of the Season: 2024–25