Quick Facts
CapricornBiography
Albert Riera Vidal (born 28 December 1983), is a Spanish-New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Auckland City in the ASB Premiership and formerly for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.
Football career
Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Riera played with local teams, at the beginning in Aragon (CD Binéfar and Atlético Monzón), and later in Catalonia (CF Balaguer, FC Benavent and CFJ Mollerussa).
Auckland City
Riera debuted with Auckland City on 21 February 2011, coming on as a substitute in the 73rd minute of a match against AS Magenta in the 2010–11 OFC Champions League. Riera and Auckland City went on to win the Champions League, with Riera coming on as a substitute in two games (against Magenta and against Waitakere United) and starting in two (against Tefana and against Amicale). In the 2010–11 New Zealand Football Championship Riera played in a total of five games, as well as the four games in the OFC Champions League.
In the 2011–12 season Riera played in 24 matches with Auckland City. In New Zealand, Riera played in 14 matches in the New Zealand Football Championship, in which Auckland City won the premiership, and in the ASB Charity Cup match against Waitakere United. Riera also played in all 8 matches of the OFC Champions League, in which he won the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament, and played together with Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup, but were eliminated from the cup in the first round, after losing to Kashiwa Reysol.
In the 2012–13 season Riera played in 26 matches with Auckland City. In New Zealand, Riera played in 16 matches in the New Zealand Football Championship, in which Auckland City took 2nd place, and in the ASB Charity Cup match against Waitakere United. Riera scored his first goal in the opening round of the domestic league against Canterbury United. Riera also played in 8 matches of the OFC Champions League, helping Auckland City win their fifth title of the competition, and their third consecutive title. Once again Riera played together with Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup, but were eliminated from the cup in the first round, after losing to Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Wellington Phoenix
Riera was signed by Wellington Phoenix of the A-League on 7 October 2013, after a pre-season friendly match between Phoenix and Auckland City. He debuted for Wellington Phoenix in the opening match of the 2013–14 season against Brisbane Roar, coming on as a substitute in the 55th minute. Halfway through the season, Riera signed a year-long extension to his contract with Wellington Phoenix. Riera was named the Phoenix's player of the year for the 2013–14 season.
Riera announced his retirement from the Phoenix on 21 May 2016.
Return to Auckland City
Riera's retirement was short lived, as he signed for his former club Auckland City for the 2016–17 Stirling Sports Premiership season.
Personal life
In October 2018, Riera became a New Zealand citizen.
Honours
Club
Auckland City
- New Zealand Football Championship Premiers: 2011–12
- ASB Charity Cup: 2011
- OFC Champions League: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
- A-League All Stars: 2014
Individual
- OFC Golden Ball: 2011–12