Soccer talent from Oceania has grown rapidly in recent years, with players making waves in top leagues across Europe, Australia, and beyond. This list highlights the region’s top 10 stars in 2025, showcasing their skills, achievements, and impact on the global stage.
1. Raphael Lea’i (Solomon Islands)
Position: Forward
Club: Adelaide City (Australia)
National Team: Solomon Islands
Raphael Lea’i is a generational talent from the Solomon Islands. At just 21, he became the first Solomon Islander to play professionally in Europe, signing with Bosnian club Velež Mostar in 2023. Known for his explosive speed and clinical finishing, Lea’i dominated the Solomon Islands S-League, scoring 24 goals in just seven games during the 2019–20 season.
In 2025, he continues to shine for Adelaide City in Australia’s National Premier Leagues, maintaining his reputation as Oceania’s most exciting forward. Internationally, he has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances, including a hat-trick against Papua New Guinea in the 2023 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
2. Brian Kaltak (Vanuatu)
Position: Defender
Club: Central Coast Mariners (Australia)
National Team: Vanuatu
Brian Kaltak is a defensive powerhouse and captain of Vanuatu’s national team. After signing with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in 2022, he became a key player in their back-to-back A-League Championship wins (2023, 2024). His aerial dominance and leadership helped the Mariners secure a historic AFC Cup title in 2024.
Kaltak’s journey to professional soccer was long but rewarding. At 31, he remains a role model for Pacific Islanders, proving that perseverance pays off.
3. Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: União de Leiria (Portugal)
National Team: New Zealand
Sarpreet Singh rose to fame after joining Bayern Munich in 2019, becoming the first New Zealander to play for the German giants. After successful loan spells in Germany’s second division, he moved to Portugal’s União de Leiria in 2024.
Singh’s creativity and vision make him a standout playmaker. He has earned 27 caps for New Zealand, contributing crucial goals and assists in World Cup qualifiers.
4. Alex Rufer (New Zealand)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Wellington Phoenix (Australia)
National Team: New Zealand
Alex Rufer is the heartbeat of Wellington Phoenix’s midfield. A consistent performer in the A-League, he combines tactical intelligence with precise passing. Rufer has captained New Zealand’s national team in key matches, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In 2024, he led Wellington Phoenix to their first A-League Grand Final in a decade, cementing his legacy as one of Oceania’s top midfielders.
5. Alex Paulsen (New Zealand)
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: AFC Bournemouth (England)
National Team: New Zealand
Alex Paulsen is Oceania’s most promising goalkeeper. After standout performances for Wellington Phoenix, he signed with English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in 2024. At 22, his reflexes and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to legendary goalkeepers.
Paulsen kept eight clean sheets in the 2023–24 A-League season, earning him a spot in New Zealand’s starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
6. Tim Payne (New Zealand)
Position: Defender
Club: Wellington Phoenix (Australia)
National Team: New Zealand
Tim Payne is a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or right-back. A mainstay for Wellington Phoenix, he played every minute of their 2023–24 A-League campaign. Payne’s physicality and aerial ability make him a defensive anchor for both club and country.
He has over 30 caps for New Zealand, including appearances in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
7. David Browne (Papua New Guinea)
Position: Forward
Club: HJK Helsinki (Finland)
National Team: Papua New Guinea
David Browne made history as Papua New Guinea’s first professional player in Europe, signing with Dutch club PEC Zwolle in 2016. Now at Finland’s HJK Helsinki, he remains a prolific scorer. In 2024, his stunning disallowed goal against AS Roma in the Europa League went viral, showcasing his technical brilliance.
Browne has scored 15 goals for Papua New Guinea, inspiring a new generation of Pacific Islanders.
8. Clayton Lewis (New Zealand)
Position: Midfielder
Club: Macarthur FC (Australia)
National Team: New Zealand
Clayton Lewis is a midfield maestro known for his pinpoint passing and work rate. After stints in England and New Zealand, he joined Macarthur FC in 2023. Lewis has over 30 caps for New Zealand, including a standout performance in the 2023 FIFA Confederations Cup.
In 2024, he recorded seven assists in the A-League, proving his value as a creative force.
9. Sairusi Nalaubu (Fiji)
Position: Forward
Club: Navua FC (Fiji)
National Team: Fiji
Sairusi Nalaubu is Fiji’s most lethal striker. After winning back-to-back Golden Boot awards in Fiji’s Premier League, he trialed with Czech club FK Pardubice in 2022. In 2025, he signed with Navua FC, continuing his goal-scoring exploits.
Nalaubu has netted 10 goals for Fiji, including a brace against New Caledonia in the 2023 Pacific Games.
10. Myer Bevan (New Zealand)
Position: Forward
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada)
National Team: New Zealand
Myer Bevan is a clinical finisher with a knack for scoring in big moments. After starring for New Zealand’s U-20 team, he joined MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021. Bevan’s pace and positioning have made him a fan favorite in North America.
He scored the winning goal in the 2024 Canadian Championship final, securing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Bottom Line
Oceania’s soccer talent is no longer a hidden gem. From Raphael Lea’i’s European breakthrough to Brian Kaltak’s defensive mastery, these players prove that the Pacific Islands are a hotbed of skill and determination. As they continue to excel globally, the future of Oceanic soccer looks brighter than ever.