Victoria Esson

Victoria Lucy Esson (born 6 March 1991) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for A-League Women club Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team.

Early life Esson started playing football at the age of 10 for Halswell United. At first a midfielder and later defender, she became a goalkeeper at the age of 17. Esson became Tech's all-time leader in career shut-outs, career goals against and set school records for single season and consecutive shut-outs. Esson also broke the Big 12 Conference record for single season shut-outs with 15 in 2013. She signed with Coastal Spirit FC, but missed most of the season with an injured hand. as they won the National Women's League, the top-flight women's football tournament of New Zealand. In 2019, Esson signed with Avaldsnes again, this time playing for three years.

In July 2022, Esson joined Scottish club Rangers.

In June 2025, Esson returned to New Zealand and joined Wellington Phoenix. In June 2026, following a successful season as the starting goalkeeper for the Phoenix, including making it to the 2026 grand final, the Phoenix re-signed Esson on a further one-year contract for the 2026–27 season.

International career Esson was a member of the New Zealand U-17 side at the 2008 held in New Zealand, playing all three of three of New Zealand's group games.

In April 2019, Esson was named to the final 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

On 25 June 2021, Esson was called up to the New Zealand squad for the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics.

Esson was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. She was the starting goalie for New Zealand in all the games in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

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

Personal life Esson completed her degree in wind, energy and industrial engineering while she was playing football at Texas Tech.

Honours Individual Mainland Football Women's Goalkeeper of the Year: 2014