Michaela Foster

Michaela Leigh Foster is a New Zealand footballer who plays for Auckland United 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 coaches the All Blacks. 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.

Though a recognised youth international, she did not play for a top-flight football team until she was 24, when she joined Wellington Phoenix in October 2022 ahead of the A-League Women season. She had been offered a scholarship position on the squad, with a lower wage; with good performances despite the team's poor results, and having played every minute for the team, she was given a full contract after four matches. Foster is considered the set-piece specialist of the team.

In June 2024, Foster joined Auckland United.

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.

After her successful debut season in the A-League, Foster was called up to the senior New Zealand national team in February 2023, making her debut on 20 February 2023 in a friendly against Argentina. 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 30 June 2023, Foster was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.