Kosta Barbarouses Leaves Wellington Phoenix After Career Renaissance

Veteran forward exits after two standout seasons under Italiano

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Wellington Phoenix have confirmed that veteran forward Kosta Barbarouses will not return for the 2025–26 A-League season, marking the end of his third and most successful stint with the club.

The 35-year-old All Whites striker declined the option for a contract extension, informing the club of his intent to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Barbarouses’ decision comes after a remarkable resurgence under head coach Giancarlo Italiano. Over the past two seasons, the Auckland-born forward tallied 23 goals in 54 A-League appearances—his most prolific stretch in over a decade.

Earlier this month, Barbarouses etched his name further into Phoenix history by becoming the club’s first three-time Men’s Player of the Year. He also took home the Golden Boot, Goal of the Year, and was voted Players’ Player by teammates, members, and media.

He capped off his time in Wellington by scoring the match-winning goal in the Phoenix’s Australia Cup playoff victory over Brisbane Roar in Darwin.

“The three years I’ve spent with the Phoenix in my home town have been very special,” Barbarouses said in a club statement. “The decision to leave has been a very difficult one to make and I wish the Phoenix all the best in the future.”

Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill said the club had made a strong attempt to retain the forward.

“Kosta has had two of the best seasons of his career at the Phoenix and we believed he was in the best place to secure selection in the All Whites’ World Cup squad,” said Gill. “We’re disappointed he’s turned down our extension but respect his decision.”

Wellington Phoenix currently have 18 men’s players contracted for the upcoming 2025–26 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.