Liberato Cacace

Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for EFL Championship club Wrexham and the New Zealand national team. Known for his attacking runs and solid defending, he has become one of the most promising defenders to come out of New Zealand in recent years.

As of 2026, Cacace is an active player at Wrexham, recovering from an injury setback and preparing for the upcoming Championship season. He recently represented New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament since 2010, and started in their opening match against Iran. His performances have drawn attention from international media, with The New York Times highlighting him as one of the rare players to reach such a level before age 25.

Fans know Cacace for his left-footed deliveries, his ability to bomb forward from the back, and his humble, team-first attitude. His Instagram bio reads: "To represent New Zealand on a world stage alongside my best mates was a privilege", a sentiment that reflects his deep connection to his national team and his grounded personality. [edit]

Born in Wellington on 27 September 2000, Liberato Cacace grew up in New Zealand's capital, where he developed a passion for football at a young age. Of Italian descent, his full name, Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace, reflects that heritage, and he identifies with both New Zealand and Italy.

Cacace came up through the youth ranks of the Wellington Phoenix academy, honing his skills in the club's development system. He made his professional debut for the Phoenix in the A-League in 2018, at just 17 years old. Over the next two seasons, he established himself as a regular starter at left-back, making over 60 appearances and earning a reputation as one of the league's brightest young defenders.

His form in the A-League caught the eye of European clubs, and in 2020 he made the move to Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden. That transfer marked the beginning of his European journey, setting the stage for his subsequent moves to Italy and England. [edit]

Liberato Cacace's breakthrough came when he joined Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truiden in 2020, gaining valuable European experience over two seasons. In 2022, he moved to Empoli in Italy's Serie A, where he tested himself against some of the world's best attackers, further developing his defensive and attacking skills.

In 2025, Cacace signed with Wrexham AFC in the English Football League, a permanent transfer worth €2.5 million plus bonuses. The Welsh club, famously owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, saw Cacace as a key addition to their ambitious project. He quickly became part of the squad, featuring in their FA Cup run, including a 3-3 draw against Premier League side Nottingham Forest on 9 January 2026.

On the international stage, Cacace was instrumental in New Zealand's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He started in their opening group-stage match against Iran, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and his performances throughout the tournament showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. After returning from World Cup duty on 15 July 2026, he played in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool in New York, continuing to build momentum for the upcoming season. [edit]

Liberato Cacace is widely regarded as a promising, attacking-minded left-back who combines solid defensive work with energetic forward runs. Media coverage often highlights his maturity and composure on the ball, traits that belie his relatively young age.

His public persona is humble and team-oriented. On social media, he consistently emphasises the privilege of representing New Zealand and the importance of his teammates, a sentiment that resonates with fans. The New York Times' "Stars of Soccer, World Cup 2026" feature praised him as one of the few players to achieve significant international recognition before age 25, underscoring his rising profile.

There is no official fandom name or specific fan-culture rituals associated with Cacace, but he has earned respect from Wrexham supporters for his commitment and potential. His social media voice is professional yet personal, offering glimpses into his training and matchday experiences. [edit]

Liberato Cacace commands a dedicated following that straddles two distinct football cultures, serving as a bridge between the fervent supporters of New Zealand's All Whites and the rapidly expanding global community surrounding Wrexham AFC. His presence on social media emphasizes humility and team cohesion, resonating with fans who value his grounded persona over celebrity posturing. While the broader Wrexham fanbase often identifies with the club's historic moniker, the Red Dragons, Cacace has cultivated a specific niche through his authentic engagement in interviews and his role as a local hero from Wellington who succeeded in England. This organic integration into the existing fan culture suggests a connection built on performance and narrative rather than manufactured movements or exclusive branding. Despite this growing visibility, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Liberato Cacace but determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. Consequently, no numerical rank or score is assigned to his current standing in the worldwide hierarchy of fame. The absence of a formalized fandom name reflects the reality that his support base remains organized under the umbrellas of his national team and club affiliations rather than a singular, named entity. His influence is characterized by high engagement driven by the unique cultural phenomenon of Wrexham and his status as a key player for New Zealand, particularly following his leadership in the 2024 OFC Nations Cup victory. While he lacks the mythical folklore associated with historical legends, his career trajectory from Serie A to the English Championship provides an inspirational narrative that sustains his relevance among international audiences.[edit]

Liberato Cacace is left-footed, a trait that makes him a natural fit for the left-back position, and he is known for his ability to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. He has been capped by New Zealand at senior level since 2018, making his debut at just 18 years old. His Instagram handle, @liberatocacace27, includes the number 27, which is also his birth date (27 September). In March 2026, Cacace suffered an injury setback that was described as a huge blow for the All Whites, derailing his debut season at Wrexham. Fans frequently recount his captaincy of the New Zealand squad during the 2024 OFC Nations Cup victory as a defining moment of national pride. Another widely retold story involves his pivotal role in New Zealand's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Iran, where his defensive solidity helped secure a draw in the nation's first tournament appearance since 2010. The narrative of his transfer to Wrexham in 2025 has become a modern legend within the club's community, symbolizing the success of a young talent navigating the pressures of high-profile transfers. These verified events form the core of his current reputation, grounded in tangible achievements rather than myth.[edit]

Liberato Cacace keeps his family life largely private, with little public information available about his parents or siblings. His Italian surname and heritage suggest a family connection to Italy, and he often acknowledges both his New Zealand upbringing and Italian roots on social media.

As of 2026, Cacace appears to be single, with no publicly documented wife, partner, or children. His focus remains squarely on his football career and representing New Zealand on the international stage. He has not shared details about pets or his living arrangements, preferring to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. [edit]

Liberato Cacace's professional journey has brought him into contact with several key figures. At Wrexham, he plays under manager Phil Parkinson, who has been supportive of his development. He returned from World Cup duty alongside teammate Dom Hyam, and the pair were welcomed back together by the club. The ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has brought significant attention to Wrexham, and Cacace's role in the club's project has been part of that narrative. [edit]

Liberato Cacace has kept his romantic life entirely private, and there is no publicly documented dating history, marriage, or children in any credible source. He has not been linked to any romantic partners in the media, and his social media presence is focused on football and his teammates.

As of 2026, Cacace is presumed single, with no confirmed partner. His dedication to his career and national team suggests that his personal life remains out of the public eye. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Liberato Cacace's net worth is estimated at $3 Million as of 2026. This figure is based on his professional football salary at Wrexham, which is a Championship-level contract, along with international match fees for New Zealand and potential endorsement deals. His transfer to Wrexham in 2025 was reported at €2.5 million plus bonuses. While no specific salary figures are public, Championship players typically earn between £400,000 and £1 million per year, and Cacace's international status likely adds to his earning potential. There is no public information about real estate, business ventures, or investments. His focus remains on his football career, and his financial standing is expected to grow as he continues to perform at a high level.[edit]