Wynton Rufer

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Wynton Rufer's achievements place him in an elite group of footballers from Oceania. He is the only New Zealander to have won the European Cup Winners' Cup and one of the few to have topped the UEFA Champions League scoring charts. His 1998 Oceania Footballer of the Century award underscores his dominance in the region during his era. Beyond the trophies, Rufer's legacy is defined by his role as a trailblazer, showing that players from New Zealand could compete and succeed at the highest levels of European football. His post-playing work in youth development has further cemented his status as a beloved figure in the sport.

AwardsWynton Rufer's trophy cabinet is impressive for a Kiwi footballer. He won two Bundesliga titles with Werder Bremen, along with two German Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1992. He also claimed two German Super Cups. Individually, he was the Bundesliga's top scorer once and, in 1998, was named Oceania Footballer of the Century by the IFFHS. His services to football were recognized with a CNZM, one of New Zealand's highest civilian honours.

Honours & Distinctions

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)

New Zealand Government·1995

For services to football.

Oceania Footballer of the Century

IFFHS·1998

Voted the best Oceania player of the 20th century.

Wynton Rufer Shield

New Zealand Football·2004

Annual competition named in his honour.

Rankings & Lists

Best All Whites World Cup XI

The Post·2026

Records & Feats

First New Zealander to win the European Cup Winners' Cup

Historic First·1992

Won the 1992 European Cup Winners' Cup with Werder Bremen.

Joint top scorer in the UEFA Champions League

Chart Record·1994

Scored eight goals in the 1993-94 season, sharing the Golden Boot with Ronald Koeman.