Kate Taylor (footballer)

Kate Maria Taylor (born 21 October 2003) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a defender for Première Ligue club Dijon and the New Zealand national team. She has also represented New Zealand at youth level.

Personal life

Taylor studied a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Integrated Human Health at Massey University.

Club career

Youth career

Taylor started playing her youth football for Nomads United. At the age of 13 she was brought into the youth set up at Canterbury United Pride before making her debut in the 2018 Women's National League.

Canterbury United Pride

During her three seasons at Canterbury United Pride, Taylor won three consecutive titles. During the winter she also played for Cashmere Technical.

Wellington Phoenix

Taylor signed for the Wellington Phoenix on 19 October 2021 for the club's inaugural season in the 2021–22 A-League Women. She was named vice-captain at just 18 years of age.

Taylor extended her contract on 26 July 2022 for another season. She was the vice-captain for the 2022–23 season too.

On 1 August 2023, Taylor signed on for the 2023–24 season. During the 2023–24 season she developed into a defensive-midfielder where she had played at times during the previous season as well as the national team.

In June 2024, Taylor left Wellington Phoenix to explore other opportunities overseas.

Dijon

In July 2024, Taylor signed a two-year contract with French club Dijon.

International career

Taylor was captain of the New Zealand U20 side at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica.

Taylor received her first call-up in June 2022 for international friendlies against Norway and Wales. Taylor made her debut for the New Zealand women's national football team on 25 June 2022 in a friendly against Norway, replacing Rebekah Stott at half time. Taylor was named as a reserve player for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand.

Taylor scored her first goal for New Zealand at the 2024 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Samoa and was also awarded player of the match.

On 4 July 2024, Taylor was called up to the New Zealand squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.