‘Interesting phone calls’ await All Whites’ breakout World Cup star Eli Just
Sunday, 28 June 2026
Ahead of the World Cup, Eli Just told his agent not to contact him. He wanted no distractions.
But after scoring three goals in as many games to emerge as New Zealand’s breakout star and the All Whites’ all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, his agent is likely to have plenty of news to share now the tournament is over.
Just entered the World Cup valued at $5 million and had already been linked with moves to Scottish powerhouses Celtic and Rangers after a standout season with Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.
There is now likely to be no shortage of suitors for the 26-year-old winger after he scored both of the All Whites’ goals in their opening 2-2 draw with Iran before adding a third in the 5-1 defeat to Belgium.
Just said on the eve of the tournament in San Diego he felt he had arrived at the World Cup at the peak of his powers after finally finding his feet at club level, but even he could not have predicted the impact he would have on football’s biggest stage.
The 1.74m midfielder was a revelation for the All Whites and his performances did not go unnoticed. Moments after the final whistle against Belgium, defender Brandon Mechele asked to swap shirts with Just.
“I’m obviously really proud of myself. I think everyone was working hard and maybe I had a few moments where I was in the right place at the right time and took my chance,” he said.
“It’s obviously really special and looking back, I’m sure those goals will be something I remember for a long time.”
Just said his first goal against Iran, which gave the All Whites an early lead, was his favourite moment of the tournament.
Chris Wood chested the ball into his path before Just flicked it up with his left foot and volleyed home with his weaker right.
“Coming in we struggled against Haiti and had a good defensive performance against England but no goals.
“You’re not really sure what is going to happen and there’s always a possibility things get even worse for us, so to get that first goal at the big stadium, on the big occasion, seeing all my team-mates all so happy, that is my moment of the tournament.
“I was really fortunate with that early goal. That gave me a lot of confidence that I carried throughout the tournament.”
It almost never happened. Before the ball reached Wood, Just raised an arm and would almost certainly have been called for handball had he made contact.
“Oh gosh,” he said. “I have a bad habit of doing that.
“I did it again in the Egypt game. At the time I didn’t know Woodsy was behind me so I tried to bring it down with my shoulder because I thought the chance was gone.
“Thank goodness I didn’t touch it. It looks pretty stupid on the video like ‘what was I thinking?’”
Along with Celtic and Rangers, Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1 could also emerge as a potential destination after appointing Motherwell coach Jens Berthel Askou on a three-year deal in May. The Dane brought Just to Scotland after previously coaching him at AC Horsens.
Just was a revelation for Motherwell, registering seven goals and seven assists in all competitions.
“We have a good relationship. I owe him a lot. I think he almost took a gamble on me bringing me to Motherwell and it definitely paid off for both of us.”
Just said he would return to Motherwell now the World Cup was over but expected to speak with his agent soon.
“I told my agent not to tell me or bother me with any interest because I wanted to focus on the World Cup, but I’m sure he’s pretty happy with the performances and we’ll be having some interesting phone calls,” he said.
“At the same time, I’m excited to get back to Motherwell, see all the boys and meet the new coach and get ready for the Conference League qualifier that is coming up pretty soon.”