Grace Jale

Grace Joana Ella Jale (; born 10 April 1999) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a forward for Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team. She has previously played for Perth Glory and Canberra United.

Early life Born and raised in Auckland to a Fijian father and New Zealand mother, Jale started playing football (soccer) at age 7. She attended Mt Albert Grammar School where she helped the team to a national First XI championship. She also played for the Eastern Suburbs premier women's team. During her first year playing for the Bay Olympic Club Team, she was named Player of the Year and was awarded a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship. but opted to attend and play for Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the United States. Jale made 6 appearances for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 2019.

Club career Wellington Phoenix On 19 October 2021, Jale signed with the newly formed Wellington Phoenix team to play in their inaugural season of the 2021–22 A-League Women league. Jale scored 6 goals in 11 appearances in 2021–22, winning the golden boot award for the club that season.

Canberra United In July 2022, following a successful season with Wellington Phoenix, Jale joined for Australian A-League Women club Canberra United on a two-year contract.

Perth Glory In August 2023, Jale was signed by A-League Women club Perth Glory. At the end of the season she departed the club.

Return to the Wellington Phoenix

In August 2024, Jale returned to Wellington Phoenix. In the 2024–25 season, Jale made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals. During the 2025–26 regular season, Jale made 18 appearances and scored 2 goals. On 28 April 2026, the Wellington Phoenix held their annual end of season awards night, with Jale winning the Players' Player of the Year and the Women's Player of the Year awards.

On 29 April 2026, the Phoenix renewed her contract until the end of the 2026–27 season. On 3 May, Jale scored a goal two minutes into the match against Brisbane Roar, although Wellington would go on to lose 2–1 in the first leg of the A-League Women semifinals. This goal would mark her 11th goal for the Wellington Phoenix, making her the all-time leading scorer with 11 goals.

In the postseason, Jale was selected for the A-Leagues All Stars Women team that will play against Women's Super League (WSL) club Chelsea in the 2026 game at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney as part of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup.

International career Jale made her debut for the senior national team and scored her first international goal during a match against Tonga at the 2018 OFC Women's Nations Cup. She previously represented New Zealand on the under-17 and under-20 national teams.

2024 Summer Olympics

On 4 July 2024, Jale was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 19 November 2018 Stade Numa-Daly Magenta, Nouméa, New Caledonia 11–0 11–0 2018 OFC Women's Nations Cup 2. 22 November 2018 6–0 6–0 3. 7 February 2024 FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa 1–0 3–0 2024 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 4. 3–0 5. 16 February 2024 3–0 7–1 6. 6–0 7. 7–0 8. 19 February 2024 4–0 11–1 9. 8–1 10. 2 March 2026 National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands 4–0 8–0 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification