Ben Old (Born 2002): Age, Net Worth, Salary, Career & Current Team

Ben Old heads into FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the younger attacking names in the New Zealand squad. Saint-Étienne gave him a tougher European test, and he still kept his place with the All Whites. This article covers Ben Old’s age, club status, stats, salary estimate, and international progress.

Who is Ben Old?

Ben Old is a New Zealand winger and attacking midfielder who plays for Saint-Étienne. New Zealand Football listed him on 22 caps and two goals in the final World Cup 2026 squad release. His move from Wellington Phoenix to France gave him a sharper development path before the tournament.

Ben Old Personal Info and Career Details

Early Life and Background

Old was born in Auckland, then moved south and built his game in Wellington. Wellington Phoenix signed him to a first-team deal in 2021 after three academy years. That route gave him pro habits early, because the club trusted him around senior players before his 20th birthday.

His youth journey also carried strong tournament exposure. He represented New Zealand at age-group level before stepping into Olympic and senior football. That steady climb matters, since his game depends on timing and decision-making more than size.

Birthplace, family, and youth football journey

Wellington shaped Old as a direct attacking player. He learned in the Phoenix system, broke through in the A-League, and forced defenders into wide footraces. Saint-Étienne later saw enough in that profile to bring him into French football.

Transfer News and Market Value

Old completed his move from Wellington Phoenix to Saint-Étienne in July 2024. The transfer gave him a step into French football and removed him from the A-League at the right age. Public market trackers now place his estimated transfer value around €0.8 million, with a rough range between €0.7 million and €1.0 million.

That value still leaves room to rise if he locks down a bigger scoring return. Saint-Étienne kept him in the senior picture through the 2025-26 season, and New Zealand still view him as a real tournament option. So his transfer stock remains tied to minutes and end product.

Ben Old Salary and Net Worth

Public wage trackers place Old at about €5,220 per week, which works out to roughly €271,440 per year. No club source has published his salary, so that figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed contract number.

No verified public source currently confirms Ben Old net worth as of May 21, 2026.

Ben Old Club Career

Old’s club career still sits in its growth phase, yet the shape is clear. Wellington Phoenix gave him the first platform, and Saint-Étienne supplied the harder environment. Each stop has asked him to refine the final action rather than just the dribble.

Early clubs and development

Phoenix promoted Old after three academy years and trusted him in the first team at 18. He rewarded that faith with sharper returns in 2023-24, scoring five goals and adding four assists. One of those strikes also won the club’s goal of the season award.

That rise explained the move to France. Saint-Étienne wanted a younger attacker with speed and room to grow. Old left New Zealand with real first-team evidence rather than youth hype alone.

Current club and recent form

Saint-Étienne used Old through the 2025-26 season as they chased results in Ligue 2. Public stat providers credit him with 29 league appearances, one goal, and one assist. Those numbers do not scream breakout season, yet they do show trust inside a demanding European squad.

His role also changed at times. Club coverage in late 2025 even tracked him in a deeper left-sided role, which shows coaches trust his work rate and ball carrying. That flexibility helps New Zealand, because tournament squads need attackers who can solve more than one problem.

Ben Old Stats and Performance

International Career

Old has become part of New Zealand’s younger attacking core rather than a fringe name. The final World Cup squad release lists him on 22 caps and two goals. That total tells you he has already moved past the audition stage.

He also knows tournament football from the Paris 2024 Olympic side and the 2024 OFC Nations Cup winners. That experience gives the All Whites another runner around players such as Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, and Ryan Thomas. New Zealand need that balance between craft and pace.

Caps, goals, and major tournaments

Old is still building his senior numbers, yet his role already looks useful. He stretches play, attacks isolated defenders, and can hit the box from the weak side. Those traits travel well into tournament football.

Honours and Trophies

Playing Style and Key Strengths

Old works as a left-footed winger who likes to drive inside and attack the space around full-backs. He can also play as an attacking midfielder when New Zealand want an extra carrier between lines. His first touch and acceleration create the openings.

He is not a pure touchline player. Coaches have trusted him in narrower zones and deeper starting positions, because he carries the ball through pressure and keeps moving. That range makes him harder to plan against than a one-speed winger.

Position, role, and standout qualities

Wide attacking roles fit Old best, especially when he can receive on the half turn. He beats players, draws fouls, and gives the team forward momentum. His next step is turning more of those drives into goals and assists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Ben Old arrives at World Cup 2026 with a stronger club education and a stable place in New Zealand’s squad. Saint-Étienne have pushed him into a tougher football environment, and that should help his next phase.

New Zealand will not ask him to carry every attack. They will ask him to stretch games, break lines, and punish tired defenders. That job fits him well.