Milly Clegg: The Record-Breaking and Impressively Talent From New Zealand
Milly Clegg is one of the most exciting and talented female footballers in the world today, alongside Vicky Lopez, Olivia Smith and Linda Caicedo, Clegg’s talent and potential promises to keep fans entertained and glued to their performances.
Her burgeoning rise and potential may has set her on the path to becoming one of the best players male or female ever to come from the Oceania continental. Join us as we delve into the rise of New Zealand’s Milly Clegg.
Player Profile – Emily Louise Foy Clegg
Milly Clegg is a professional footballer the Football Ferns of New Zealand and Racing Louisville in the American National Women’s Soccer League.
Clegg’s transition to professional football began with her move to Wellington Phoenix for the 2022–23 A-League season, where she quickly made a mark as the team’s top scorer with four goals.
Despite this success, she chose to remain an amateur to maintain NCAA eligibility for potential college soccer opportunities in the United States.
She has played in 2 World Cups and is gearing up to play in the FIFA U20 World Cup. The Football Ferns’ goal scoring machine si the youngest player to sign for Racing Louisville in the club’s history.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Emily Louise Foy Clegg |
| Date of Birth | 1 November 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Height | 1.74 m |
| Weight | 136 pounds |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Current Club | Racing Louisville |
| Position | Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Ellerslie Bucklands Beach New Zealand U17 New Zealand U20 |
| Senior Career | Auckland United Wellington Phoenix FC Western Sydney Wanderers Racing Louisville New Zealand |
Milly Clegg’s Early Life and Background
Milly Clegg’s football journey began at age five, inspired by her family’s sports legacy. Her mother, Kylie Clegg, a New Zealand international hockey player, and her uncle, Mark Foy, a former All White, influenced her early passion for the game.
Starting with Ellerslie AFC and Buckland’s Beach, Clegg quickly made a name for herself with standout performances in school tournaments. Her talent led to selection for New Zealand’s U-17 and U-20 World Cup teams, where she shone on the international stage.
By December 2022, Clegg joined Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, balancing her burgeoning career with high school studies and maintaining amateur status for future NCAA opportunities. Her story reflects a remarkable rise fueled by dedication, family support, and significant early achievements.
Milly Clegg’s Playing Style and Strength
Milly Clegg is a dynamic forward, she possesses a blend of attributes that make her a standout on the pitch. One of her most notable qualities is her speed. Clegg’s pace is a constant threat to defenders, allowing her to make dangerous runs in behind the opposition’s backline.
Her intelligent movements ensures she regularly finds herself in goal-scoring positions. Her finishing ability has already proven exceptional, with Clegg displaying a natural instinct for scoring. Whether it’s from close range or through well-placed strikes from distance, she has an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net.
MillyClegg also excels in dribbling and technical skill, which make her a formidable force in one-on-one situations. Her close ball control and ability to navigate tight spaces give her the edge over defenders, often creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates.
Beyond her offensive contributions, Clegg is known for her relentless work rate. She presses high up the field, applying pressure on the opposition and forcing turnovers that often lead to quick counter-attacks. Although she primarily operates as a forward, she is versatile enough to play in multiple attacking roles.
Milly Clegg: The Start of a Record Breaking Career
Milly Clegg, at the tender age of 17, has swiftly become one of New Zealand’s most exciting football prospects. Her club career, marked by rapid progress and significant achievements, is a testament to her talent and determination.
Her club career began with Auckland United, where she made an immediate impact in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League. In 2022, she played a pivotal role in leading Auckland United to victory in the Kate Sheppard Cup, a key domestic trophy.
Milly Clegg’s Journey to Wellington Phoenix
By the end of 2022, Milly Clegg had achieved an impressive array of accomplishments. She not only finished her high school exams but also made a significant move to Wellington Phoenix, joining the only New Zealand team competing in the Australian top-flight women’s league, the A-League.
Her decision to join the Phoenix was strategic; she chose to play as an amateur to retain NCAA eligibility, reflecting her future aspirations in college soccer.
During her time with Wellington Phoenix in the 2022–23 season, Clegg made a notable impact. Despite not receiving a salary to maintain her amateur status, she became the team’s top scorer with four goals.
Milly Clegg’s performances were instrumental in her team’s success, demonstrating her ability to thrive in a competitive environment.
Transition to Western Sydney Wanderers
Following a successful stint with the Phoenix, Clegg received multiple offers, including a professional contract from Wellington Phoenix. However, she opted for a new challenge and joined the Western Sydney Wanderers FC.
In a move similar to her previous arrangement, she continued to play unpaid with Western Sydney Wanderers, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining amateur status for future opportunities.
Milly Clegg’s American Adventure: Signing with Racing Louisville
In January 2024, Clegg’s career took another significant leap forward when she signed a three-year contract with NWSL club Racing Louisville. This move marked a new chapter in her professional journey, highlighting her growing reputation and the recognition of her talent on an international stage.
Milly Clegg: A Star in the Making for the Football Ferns
Milly Clegg’s international journey began with New Zealand’s youth setups, where she quickly became a standout player. Her first major involvement came with the New Zealand U-17 team, where she showcased her scoring ability and attacking prowess.
One of her most notable performances for the U-17 side came during the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where she helped her team with key contributions, including goals and assists, that drew attention to her immense potential.
Building on her success with the U-17 team, Clegg earned a call-up to the New Zealand U-20 team. Her versatility and maturity on the field shone through at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The tournament featured some of the best young talents in the world, with the likes of Maika Hamano, Inma Gabarro and Aline Gomes.
Milly Clegg’s Transition to the Senior National Team
Clegg’s impressive performances at the youth level caught the attention of the senior national team selectors, and it wasn’t long before she earned her first call-up to the New Zealand Football Ferns.
She made her senior debut in 2023, and Clegg instantly showed that she was ready for the step up, bringing her pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts to the international arena.
In her debut matches, Clegg played a pivotal role in several key fixtures, quickly establishing herself as a reliable forward for the Football Ferns. One of her most memorable moments came during a match against a higher-ranked opponent, where she scored her first senior international goal, a moment that cemented her as one of the rising stars in New Zealand football.
Making an Impact With the Football Ferns
One of Clegg’s standout achievements was her involvement in New Zealand’s qualifying campaigns for major international tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Her contributions helped New Zealand maintain its competitive edge on the global stage, and she remains a vital part of the team’s attacking force.
Milly Clegg’s rapid rise through the international football ranks reached a remarkable milestone when she competed in her third World Cup in under 12 months, an achievement she shares with Colombia’s standout talent, Linda Caicedo.
This rare feat highlights Clegg’s extraordinary resilience and adaptability, as she transitioned seamlessly across age groups and competitions.
In her brief time with the senior team, Clegg has had the opportunity to play alongside some of New Zealand’s top footballers, including Ria Percival, CJ Bott, and Hannah Wilkinson.
These experienced players have provided valuable mentorship to Clegg, helping her transition smoothly into the senior setup while learning from the best.
The Future of Milly Clegg’s International Career
With her international career still in its early stages, Milly Clegg is poised to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.
Her performances for both the youth and senior teams have set the foundation for a long and successful career in the black jersey of New Zealand.
As she continues to develop and hone her skills, there is little doubt that Clegg will be a cornerstone of New Zealand’s international success for years to come.
Idols and Influence in Football
Although she was inspired watching the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sam Kerr stands out as a significant inspiration for Clegg.
Kerr’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess, lightning speed, and relentless work ethic have set a high standard that Clegg looks up to. Kerr’s achievements with the Australian national team and her club success serve as a driving force behind Clegg’s own football ambitions.
However, Milly Clegg also draws significant inspiration from Megan Rapinoe and Vivianne Miedema. Rapinoe’s leadership, creativity, and success with the U.S. Women’s National Team resonate deeply with Clegg.
Similarly, Miedema’s versatility, technical skill, and impressive goal-scoring record serve as a model for Clegg, guiding her aspirations to become a dynamic and versatile forward.
Who Does Milly Clegg Play Like?
Milly Clegg’s playing style is a blend of attributes seen in top forwards like Sam Kerr, Ellen White, and Vivianne Miedema.
Like Kerr, she combines speed and positioning with a relentless work rate and goal-scoring ability. Clegg shares White’s sharp movement and poaching instincts, always finding space to convert chances.
Furthermore, Milly Clegg’s versatility and technical prowess mirror Miedema, allowing her to thrive both centrally and in wide attacking roles.
Milly Clegg’s Personal Life
Milly Clegg comes from a sporting family. She has followed in her mother’s footsteps by representing New Zealand at the Olympics. Clegg’s mom, Kylie Clegg, was a New Zealand Olympian who played Hockey for New Zealnd at the 1992 and 2000 Olympic Games.
Media Reception
Her unique journey earned her the title of “an absolute unicorn” from The Niche Cache, a New Zealand sports podcast, underscoring just how rare and special her achievement is in the world of football.
Competing at this level in such a short span of time reflects not only her technical ability but also her mental toughness and dedication to the game.
Conclusion
Milly Clegg’s journey from a promising young talent to a key player in professional football has been marked by remarkable achievements and a clear vision for her future.
With her impressive performances at both national and international levels, combined with her dedication and strategic career choices, Clegg is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
As she continues to evolve as a player, her determination and passion will undoubtedly lead her to further success in the world of football.
