Nicolas Francis King (born 14 April 2004) is a Vanuatuan footballer who plays as a defender for Australian club Valentine FC in the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW and the Vanuatu national team.
Early life
King was born on 14 April 2004[1] in Port Vila to Francis and Gloria Julia King.[2][5] His father is a businessman and former Member of Parliament for the Efate Rural constituency in Vanuatu.[2][5] His mother is also a Member of Parliament and was a former international footballer and manager for Vanuatu.[2][5] King attended Central School in Port Vila and played football for Mauriki, eventually breaking into their first team at the age of 16.[2][5] He was offered a two-week trial by A-League Men club Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, Australia through Brian Kaltak's agent in December 2023.[2][5][6]
Club career
Following his trial with Central Coast Mariners, King was announced in January 2024 to have joined Valentine FC in the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW.[7] He scored on his debut for the club.[4]
International career
King represented the Vanuatu under-19 in the OFC U-19 Championship and Vanuatu under-23 squads.[1][2][5] He was named captain for the under-23s ahead of the 2023 OFC Olympic Qualifying Tournament.[2][5]
During the 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup, King made his debut for the Vanuatu senior team against Solomon Islands on 9 December 2024.[3] He scored his first goal for Vanuatu as they lost the match 4–1.[8]
Career statistics
International
- As of match played 15 December 2024.[4]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | 2024 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 3 | 1 | |
- Scores and results list Vanuatu's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each King goal.[4]
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 December 2024 | Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands | 1 |  Solomon Islands |
1–3 | 1–4 | 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup | [8] |
References
- ^ a b c d "N. King: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Campo, Jose (11 December 2023). "Vanuatun teen eyes Central Coast Mariners breakthrough". The Roar. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ a b c "Nicolas King". National Football Teams.
- ^ a b c d "Nicolas King (Valentine)". Flashscore. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Evans, Kyle (7 December 2023). "Central Coast Mariners turn their sights on another Vanuatu footballer". ABC Pacific. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Mwia, Nicholas (2 December 2023). "U-23 captain leaving for trial with Central Coast Mariners". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Mwai, Nicholas (10 January 2024). "King to play for Valentine FC in Australia". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Solomon Islands MSG Cup Defense". Tavuli News. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.