Wynton Rufer

ABOUT WYNTON RUFER

Retired professional soccer player who is widely considered to be the greatest soccer player from New Zealand. He was voted Oceania Player of the Century in the year 2000. He played for numerous teams including Werder Bremen and FC Zürich.

He attended Rongotai College in Wellington, New Zealand. He made his senior soccer debut for Stop Out Sports Club in the year 1980.

During his time at Werder Bremen, he won four major titles including the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup. He also played for the New Zealand national team. In 1994-95, the 31-year-old left Bremen and moved to JEF United Ichihara of the J1 League, finishing as the club's leading scorer in his second year.

He is married to his wife Lisa. Together they have two sons named Caleb and Joshua.

In October of 1998, he met legendary soccer player Pelé at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich.