Tyler Bindon Honoured with Sky Sport Emerging Talent Award

All Whites Star Recognized at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards

In a night celebrating New Zealand’s finest athletes, All Whites defender Tyler Bindon was named the Sky Sport Emerging Talent winner at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards. The prestigious event took place on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 (NZT) at Spark Arena in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

The accolade underscores Bindon’s remarkable ascent in professional football. Last month, the 20-year-old completed a headline-making transfer from English Championship side Reading FC to Premier League club Nottingham Forest—an impressive feat for one of New Zealand’s brightest prospects.

A Rising Star in the Footballing World

By November 2024, Bindon had logged more minutes as a professional footballer than any other teenager worldwide. His leadership qualities were further highlighted on 2 November when, at just 19 years old, he captained Reading FC in the historic FA Cup—a testament to his growing influence on the pitch.

The Sky Sport Emerging Talent award recognizes outstanding young Kiwi athletes across all sporting disciplines. Bindon triumphed in a competitive field that included World Athletics U20s triple jump gold medallist Ethan Oliver, mountain biking prodigy Erice Van Leuven, FIM Junior GP Moto3 standout Cormac Buchanan, world junior motocross champion Levi Townley, and Youth Winter Olympic Games medallist Luke Harrold.

Chris Wood Also Recognized at Halberg Awards

All Whites captain Chris Wood was also in the spotlight, earning a nomination for the Sportsman of the Year award. However, the honour ultimately went to Olympic high jump champion Hamish Kerr, who added another accolade to his illustrious career.

Bindon’s award highlights New Zealand’s growing presence on the global football stage. With a move to one of the world’s most competitive leagues, the young defender is poised to become a key figure for both club and country in the years ahead.