From the OHS 1st XI to the Football Ferns, Malia Steinmetz continues to make her mark in international football.

Steinmetz was a student at Onehunga High School from 2012 until 2014. As a Year 9 student she went directly into the 1st XI Football team. She went on to be part of the team that won the Premier 2 Competition and help them gain promotion into Premier 1. She has gone on to huge success as a member of the New Zealand football squad  and now plays for the Danish club side FC Nordsjælland.

Steinmetz is one of the first names that comes to mind. Since making her senior international debut in 2017, Steinmetz has become an integral part of the national team, earning a reputation as a dependable midfielder who combines technical ability with an exceptional work ethic. 

Steinmetz’s football journey began in local clubs, including Three Kings United. Her talent was evident from a young age, leading to selection for New Zealand’s age-group national teams. She represented her country at the FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups, gaining valuable international experience before progressing to the senior Football Ferns. 

Steinmetz made her senior debut for New Zealand in a 5-0 victory over Thailand in November 2017. Since then, she has become a regular fixture in the squad, known for her intelligent positioning, crisp passing, and ability to break up opposition attacks. Rather than chasing personal statistics, her role is to connect defence with attack and provide stability in the centre of the pitch—qualities that every successful team depends upon. 

One of the highlights of Steinmetz’s international career came when she was selected for New Zealand’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Playing on home soil was a landmark moment, with the Football Ferns recording their historic first-ever Women’s World Cup victory by defeating Norway in the tournament’s opening match. Steinmetz was an important member of the squad during a competition that inspired a new generation of footballers across Aotearoa.