Jayden Smith (footballer)
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jayden Smith | ||
| Date of birth | 4 July 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Nelson, New Zealand[1] | ||
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Wellington Phoenix | ||
| Number | 39 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2023 | FC Nelson | ||
| 2023–2024 | Wellington Phoenix | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | Wellington Phoenix Reserves | 27 | (1) |
| 2024– | Wellington Phoenix | 1 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 May 2025 | |||
Jayden Smith (born 4 July 2007) is a New Zealand footballer who plays for the Wellington Phoenix.
Club career
Youth career
Candy played for FC Nelson at youth and senior level, before joining the Phoenix academy in 2023.[3][4] Smith originally played in the midfield, before transitioning to a centre-back after joining the Phoenix Academy.[5] He attended Nelson College while living in Nelson.[1]
Wellington Phoenix
Smith signed his first pro-contract for the club on 7 October 2024.[6][7] On 20 October 2024, Smith made his debut for the Wellington Phoenix in an A-League Men match against Western United.[8][5]
International career
Candy was called up for the New Zealand U20 squad for the first time in May 2025, for two friendlies against Chile.[9][10]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played on 24 May 2025.[11]
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Others | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Wellington Phoenix Reserves | 2023 | National League | 6 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 0 | ||
| 2024 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 18 | 1 | |||
| 2025 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| Total | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 28 | 1 | |||
| Wellington Phoenix | 2024–25 | A-League Men | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| Career total | 28 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 1 | ||
References
- ^ a b "Nelson footballer cracks big league". Nelson App. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Jayden Smith". Wellington Phoenix FC. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Wellington Phoenix Men's Reserves". Wellington Phoenix. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "PLAYER INSPIRATION - JAYDEN SMITH!". FC Nelson. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Nelson teen 'living a dream' lacing up for the Phoenix". The Press. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Young Nelson defender signs first pro deal". Wellington Phoenix FC. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Phoenix sign teenage defender to complete 24-player men's A-League squad". friendsoffootballnz.com. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Wellington Phoenix vs Western United". Wellington Phoenix FC. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Men's U-20 Team to Face Chile Next Month in Santiago Named". New Zealand Football. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Big Nix presence in NZ U-20 squad". Wellington Phoenix Academy. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "J. Smith". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 25 May 2025.