Ben Old

Ben Old is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left-back for French club Saint-Étienne and the New Zealand national team. Born in Auckland on August 13, 2002, he has quickly become one of the most promising young talents to come out of New Zealand football in recent years.

Old's rise has been marked by his technical skill, vision, and versatility on the pitch. He made the leap to European football in 2024, signing with Saint-Étienne, where he has become a regular in their Ligue 2 campaign. His performances have also earned him a place in the All Whites, New Zealand's national team, where he represents his country on the international stage.

At just 23, Old is still early in his career, but his trajectory has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Known for his left-footed playmaking and ability to read the game, he is seen as a key figure in the next generation of New Zealand footballers. [edit]

Ben Old grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, where his passion for football developed at a young age. He honed his skills in local youth leagues, showing early promise as a creative midfielder. His talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, and he joined the Wellington Phoenix academy, a stepping stone for many aspiring New Zealand footballers.

During his time with the Phoenix, Old progressed through the ranks, impressing coaches with his technical ability and football intelligence. He made his professional debut for the club in the A-League, gaining valuable experience against seasoned opponents. His performances in New Zealand's domestic league laid the foundation for his move to Europe, demonstrating that he could compete at a high level.

Old's development was not limited to club football. He also represented New Zealand at youth levels, captaining the U-20 side and participating in international tournaments. These experiences helped him mature as a player and prepared him for the challenges of professional football overseas. [edit]

Ben Old's breakthrough came in 2024 when he signed with Saint-Étienne, a historic French club competing in Ligue 2. The move marked a significant step in his career, giving him the opportunity to test himself in a competitive European league. He quickly adapted to the pace and physicality of French football, becoming a regular starter for the club.

In the 2025/2026 season, Old made 30 appearances for Saint-Étienne, solidifying his place in the squad. His performances have been praised for their creativity and energy, with his ability to play both as an attacking midfielder and left-back adding tactical flexibility for his team. His contributions have been crucial in the club's push for promotion to Ligue 1.

On the international stage, Old has become a key player for the New Zealand national team. He made his FIFA World Cup debut, an achievement he described as a proud moment in his career. His performances for the All Whites have helped raise his profile, and he is considered one of the most exciting prospects in New Zealand football. [edit]

Ben Old is perceived as a humble and hardworking player, dedicated to improving his game. His public image is that of a professional athlete who lets his performances speak for themselves. On social media, he shares moments from training and matches, engaging with fans in a genuine way.

Fans of New Zealand football see Old as a beacon of hope for the national team, a player who can help elevate the sport's profile in the country. His move to Europe has been celebrated as a positive step for Kiwi football, and he is often cited as an example of what young players can achieve with dedication.

Old's style of play, characterized by quick decision-making and precise passing, has earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. He is seen as a player with a high football IQ, capable of influencing games from the midfield. [edit]

Ben Old's name may not yet be a household one beyond New Zealand and the French Ligue 2 faithful, but his trajectory is being tracked by scouts and fans alike. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated his profile, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, neither in the Global Top 1,000 nor in any Top-100 scope list. While his fame is on an upward curve, it has not yet translated into a numerical rank.

His fanbase, though growing, has no formal name. There is no documented fandom title, no organized fan club, and no notable fan campaigns. His Instagram following of roughly 16,000 reflects a modest but genuine personal connection with supporters, who follow his journey from Auckland to Europe with pride. The community that does rally around him is informal, scattered across social media, and united by a shared hope for Kiwi football's rise.[edit]

Ben Old is known for his distinctive left-footed style, which he uses to create scoring opportunities from midfield. He is active on Instagram under the handle @_oldie8, where he shares glimpses of his life on and off the pitch. Away from football, Old has shown interest in giving back to his community, though details remain private. He is also known to be a fan of other sports, particularly rugby, which is popular in New Zealand. One fun fact: Old's journey from Auckland to France is often cited as an inspiration for young Kiwi footballers dreaming of playing in Europe. He has mentioned in interviews that he looks up to fellow New Zealander Chris Wood, who has had a successful career in the English Premier League.

In July 2025, Old made headlines with a determined comeback from injury, scoring in back-to-back pre-season matches for Saint-Étienne, a moment that New Zealand football media celebrated as a sign of his resilience. His FIFA World Cup debut is a point of personal pride, as he noted on his Instagram, though specific details of that match remain part of his own narrative rather than a widely retold legend.[edit]

Details about Ben Old's family are not widely publicized, as he tends to keep his personal life private. It is known that he was born and raised in Auckland, and his family has been supportive of his football career from the beginning. He has not shared much about his parents or siblings publicly, preferring to focus on his professional life.

As of 2026, Old is focused on his career, and there is no public information about a spouse or children. He appears to be dedicated to his development as a footballer, with his family providing a foundation of support behind the scenes. [edit]

Ben Old is closely associated with fellow New Zealand international Chris Wood, who has been a mentor and inspiration for the younger player. Both have represented the All Whites and have experience playing in top European leagues. Old has expressed admiration for Wood's career and hopes to follow a similar path. [edit]

As of 2026, Ben Old is reportedly single, with no public information about his dating history or current relationship status. He keeps his personal life private, and there have been no confirmed reports of any romantic partners. His focus appears to be on his football career, and he has not been linked to anyone publicly. [edit]

iFANN's editorial research currently estimates Ben Old's net worth at $2 million. His primary source of income is his professional football contract with Saint-Étienne, which includes a salary and performance-related bonuses. Additionally, he earns from endorsements and sponsorships, although specific deals have not been publicly disclosed. Since moving to France, his financial standing has grown steadily, aided by his consistent appearances and growing reputation. Old's net worth is expected to increase as he continues to develop and possibly secure a move to a top-tier league. For now, he remains focused on his career, with his earnings providing a solid foundation for his future.[edit]