When Nathan Martin first kicked a football at age four, he couldn’t have imagined where that simple act would lead. Fast forward to November 2025, and Nathan was representing New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar, the biggest youth football tournament in the world.
“It all started for me around the age of four or five. Pretty much as soon as I was capable and could run, my dad had me kicking the ball around and I straight away fell in love."
This year’s World Cup marked a historic milestone, the first to feature 48 national teams from six confederations, including New Zealand, and staged at Qatar’s impressive Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan. For Nathan, it wasn’t just a tournament; it was the reward for years of hard work and dedication.
“You grow up dreaming about it, but you don’t quite understand what it takes until the time comes.”
New Zealand earned their place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup by winning the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship
Photo credit: FIFA
Nathan’s love for football started early. From Bucklands Beach AFC at age five, to Eastern Suburbs at 10, Nathan realised he wanted to make football his career. By age 15, he was playing for Fencibles United’s Men’s First Team, debuting at 16 before earning a move to Auckland FC, where football became a full-time commitment.
“Since the move, football has pretty much become full time for me. It’s at times mentally and physically exhausting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Hearing he’d made the New Zealand squad for the World Cup was a dream come true. His selection came with challenges, a two-game suspension meant he only featured in the third match.
“That moment seriously helped me grow and mature as a player, and my coach believed in me and had the trust in me to go regardless of the ban, which I’m forever grateful for.”
Nathan’s World Cup debut came in the final group match against Austria, a chance to step onto football’s biggest youth stage and make the most of the moment. Despite the team being out of contention, Nathan embraced the experience as an opportunity to reflect on how far he had come.
Playing at the World Cup was a dream come true
“Walking out was surreal, almost like the calm before the storm. You get a real moment to look around, take in everything, and let everything race through your mind, thinking of family, friends, everything and everyone that got you to this moment.”
Despite tough results, there were unforgettable moments.
“My favourite memory was seeing the boys score our first goal at the World Cup in the second game. Scoring a goal at a World Cup doesn’t always happen to teams from New Zealand, and that’s what makes the moment extra special.”
The atmosphere was electric.
“It was pretty crazy. Seeing and hearing all the different cultures, styles of play, and passion toward the game was something to acknowledge for sure. Fans from other countries were loud and singing, something you simply don’t see from New Zealand fans very often.”
Representing New Zealand didn’t mean putting school on hold. Nathan managed his Te Kura studies between training and matches.
“Honestly it was tricky. We either had very limited windows of free time or a little bit longer depending on what we had on. I just kept reminding myself that a little bit goes a long way.”
Nathan’s next goal? Signing a professional contract with Auckland FC and eventually heading to Europe.
“The dream is to play for the All Whites and bring success to New Zealand Football. I want to make my family and friends proud and leave a legacy somewhere that I play.”
For Nathan, the World Cup was just the beginning.
“All these small steps, from kicking a ball at four to playing on the world stage, have shaped me. The journey is far from over.”