Michaela Foster

Michaela Leigh Foster (born 9 January 1999) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Women's Super League 2 club Durham and the New Zealand national team.

Early and personal life Michaela Leigh Foster is the daughter of Ian Foster, a former rugby union player who coached the All Blacks from 2020 to 2023. In November 2022, she got engaged to her girlfriend. She attended Hamilton Girls' High School, later working in its sports department while a National League player.

Club career Foster played college soccer at the University of San Diego in California for four years and, upon her return to New Zealand, worked different jobs while playing for Northern Rovers in the National League.

Having joined Women's Super League 2 side Durham in September 2024, Foster signed a new contract with the club in July 2025. She scored an olympico in Durham's 1–2 loss to Liverpool in October 2025 in the Women’s League Cup.

International career As a youth international, Foster captained New Zealand's under-17 and under-20 teams at their respective youth World Cups in 2016 and 2018. The under-17 coach said that while it can be hard to identify leaders in the youth levels, Foster stood out for her mana. She had originally been included only as a training player unavailable for selection, but with injury to Rebekah Stott was added to the squad.

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

Career statistics International

International goals No. Cap Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 12 10 February 2024 FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa 6–0 6–0 2024 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2. 34 11 April 2026 FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 3–0 5–0 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification