Auckland FC A-League campaign commemorated at Auckland Museum with historic jersey donated

Auckland FC’s record-breaking debut A-League football season has been commemorated at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

The jersey worn by defender Nando Pijnaker in their opening two matches of the 2024-25 season has been donated to become part of the museum’s Social History collection.

The shirt has added significance as it was the top the 26-year-old wore when he scored their 97th-minute winner against Sydney FC in the club’s second fixture.

“I’m grateful to Auckland Museum for accepting the shirt and recognising its significance,” Pijnaker said.

“A bit like our debut season, it’s not really sunk in and I’m not sure it will until I’m much older and looking back on my career and what we achieved.

“I love this city, our fans, what together we’ve all achieved and to know a piece of it will always be here is special.”

Nando Pijnaker celebrates his goal against Sydney FC. Photo / Photosport

There to accept it was museum chief executive David Reeves and curator, social history, Jane Groufsky.

“Auckland Museum’s collections are built around stories that shape this city and its people,” Reeves said.

“Objects like Nando’s shirt represent not only a remarkable game, but our sporting culture, community pride and the achievements that make this city.”

Auckland went on to claim the minor premiership in their debut season, before being bundled out in the semifinals by the Melbourne Victory.

Auckland currently sit third on the A-League ladder after two games this season. They opened their 2025-26 campaign with a goalless draw against the Victory, before claiming a 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

They face Adelaide United at home on Saturday, before the first New Zealand derby of the season against the Wellington Phoenix in the capital.