Kelli Brown

Kelli Denise Brown (born 21 February 2001) is a New Zealand professional footballer who last played as a forward for A-League Women club Newcastle Jets and for the New Zealand national team.

Early life Brown was born on 21 February 2001 in the small rural town of Ngāhinapōuri in Waikato, New Zealand. Growing up, she played for several clubs in Hamilton and representatively for WaiBOP United. She was part of the Future Ferns Domestic Programme (FFDP).

Club career

Wellington Phoenix Brown began her senior career in 2021 at Wellington Phoenix, the only New Zealand club playing in the Australian A-League Women. It was Wellington Phoenix's first season in the A-League Women, though their men's team has played in the A-League Men for longer.

She only made six appearances in the entire 2021–22 season due to an ankle injury before the first match and a later concussion.

Newcastle Jets Following the conclusion of her contract, Brown joined Newcastle Jets for the 2025–26 A-League Women season. In August 2026, the club announced Brown's departure at the conclusion of her contract.

International career Brown played for the New Zealand national under-17 team at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay. She was a key member of the squad and helped New Zealand finish third in the tournament.

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 27 February 2026 National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands 1–0 8–0 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification 2. 2–0 3. 3–0 4. 5 March 2026 1–0 3–0 5. 11 April 2026 FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 1–0 5–0