Profile
Elijah Henry Just is a 26-year-old New Zealand winger/forward born on 1 May 2000 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. A product of the renowned Olé Football Academy, he began his senior career with Western Suburbs (50 apps, 26 goals) before moving to Eastern Suburbs (20 apps, 7 goals). In 2019, he joined FC Helsingør in Denmark (71 apps, 13 goals across Danish 2nd and 1st Divisions). In 2022, he transferred to AC Horsens (58 apps, 3 goals in Danish Superliga and 1st Division). A loan spell at SKN St. Pölten in Austria (19 apps, 6 goals in 2. Liga) proved pivotal, leading to his July 2025 signing with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. In his debut season, he scored 7 goals in 35 SPFL apps and was shortlisted for PFA Scotland's Premiership Player of the Year. On the international stage, he has 47 caps and 12 goals for New Zealand, including a historic brace against Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first New Zealand player to achieve this feat. He also scored against Belgium in the Round of 16, making him New Zealand's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 3 goals.
T3 Status
0/16 T3 metrics validated. All physical, technical micro-assessments, and video-based evaluations are pending scout review. Just is an established international winger with extensive career data (186 senior apps, 33 goals across 4 countries). T3 should focus on 1v1 dribbling ability, crossing quality, finishing under pressure, pressing intensity, off-ball movement, and defensive contribution — key attributes for a modern winger. At 26, he is in his peak years as a wide forward — T3 assessment will determine whether he has the technical quality, physical attributes, and consistency to compete at a higher European level, or whether his ceiling is the Scottish Premiership / mid-tier European football. 3 video links provided for T3 assessment — all New Zealand international matches from 2025-26 where Just featured prominently.
Empire FGA Verdict
PROXY FGA 6.5 — EMERGING INTERNATIONAL WINGER with T3 validation required. Elijah Just is a 26-year-old New Zealand winger/forward with a proven track record across multiple European leagues and a breakthrough 2025-26 season at Motherwell (35 SPFL apps, 7 goals, PFA Scotland POTY shortlist). His historic 2026 FIFA World Cup brace against Iran and goal against Belgium demonstrate big-game mentality and international quality. However, his entire T3 profile is unvalidated — no video-based micro-assessments have been completed. His modest career goal output (33 in 186 apps, 0.18 GpA), limited top-tier European experience (no top-5 league apps), and €500K market value suggest he is a solid professional with international pedigree rather than an elite European prospect. At 26, he is in his peak years — T3 must assess whether he has the technical refinement, physical attributes, and consistency to move to a higher European level, or whether his ceiling is the Scottish Premiership / mid-tier European leagues. Best deployed as a right winger or second striker in a direct, counter-attacking system that values his pace, work rate, and finishing instinct. Validate T3 before any recruitment or retention decision. Focus on 1v1 dribbling, crossing quality, finishing under pressure, pressing intensity, and defensive contribution.
Just has been a key starter and attacking focal point for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup, featuring in all 4 matches and starting 3. His most impactful performance came in the opener vs Iran (June 15), where he played the full 90 minutes, scored a historic brace (7th minute volley, second-half finish), and earned an 8.5 rating — his highest of the tournament. He became the first New Zealand player to score two goals in a FIFA World Cup and the first Motherwell player to score at the World Cup. Against Belgium in the Round of 16 (June 26), he scored New Zealand's consolation goal in a 1-5 defeat, playing the full 90 minutes and earning a 7.8 rating. Against England (June 20), he played 78 minutes in a 0-3 group stage loss, earning a modest 6.2 rating. Against Tahiti (June 25), he played 82 minutes in a 4-1 victory, earning a 7.1 rating. His 3 World Cup goals make him New Zealand's all-time leading scorer at the tournament. T3 must assess whether his World Cup performances reflect genuine elite-level quality or whether they were enhanced by the relative weakness of opposition (Iran, Tahiti) and the emotional context of representing New Zealand.
Just's 2025-26 season at Motherwell was his breakthrough campaign in top-tier European football: 35 Scottish Premiership appearances, 7 goals, plus 2 Scottish Cup and 6 League Cup appearances. His PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist (April 2026) confirms his status as one of the SPFL's standout performers. This season built on his successful loan spell at SKN St. Pölten (19 apps, 6 goals in Austrian 2. Liga), which revived his career after a difficult period at AC Horsens (58 apps, 3 goals). His 7 SPFL goals in 35 apps (0.20 GpA) represent solid but not spectacular output for a winger. At 26, this season confirms he is a proven SPFL-level winger with international pedigree but T3 must assess whether he has the technical quality and consistency to move to a higher European level (Championship, Eredivisie, Bundesliga 2) or whether his ceiling is the Scottish Premiership.
Technical
Mental
Physical
Tier 1 — Real Data Metrics
Tier 2 — Composite Scores
FGA Weighting Breakdown
Season-by-Season Context
50 apps, 26 goals · NZ Central League
2018-19 · Eastern Suburbs
20 apps, 7 goals · NZ Premiership winner
2019-20 · FC Helsingør
15 apps, 1 goal · Danish 2nd Division
2020-21 · FC Helsingør
25 apps, 5 goals · Danish 1st Division
2021-22 · FC Helsingør
30 apps, 7 goals · Danish 1st Division
2022-23 · AC Horsens
27 apps, 0 goals · Danish Superliga
2023-24 · AC Horsens
27 apps, 3 goals · Danish 1st Division
2024-25 · SKN St. Pölten (loan)
19 apps, 6 goals · Austrian 2. Liga
2025-26 · Motherwell
35 apps, 7 goals · Scottish Premiership
Proxy FGA Rating — 6.5 / 10 · Methodology
Top 10 Philosophy Fits
Tactical Archetype
"The Industrious International Winger" — A 26-year-old winger who combines high work rate, pressing intensity, and direct running with a proven goal-scoring instinct at international level. Just's historic World Cup 2026 brace against Iran and goal against Belgium demonstrate his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. His career trajectory from New Zealand semi-professional football to Danish leagues, Austrian 2. Liga, and finally the Scottish Premiership shows resilience and adaptability. However, his modest career goal output (33 in 186 apps, 0.18 GpA) and limited top-tier European experience suggest he is a hard-working, direct winger rather than a technically refined creative player. At 26, he is in his peak years — T3 must assess whether he has the technical refinement and physical attributes to move beyond the Scottish Premiership, or whether his ceiling is mid-tier European football. Best deployed as a right winger or second striker in a direct, counter-attacking, high-press system that values his pace, work rate, and finishing instinct. Less effective in possession-dominant, positional systems that require intricate passing and tactical intelligence. His World Cup 2026 performances as a key starter suggest he thrives in emotionally charged, high-intensity environments.
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-18 | Western Suburbs | NZ Central League | 50 | 26 |
| 2018-19 | Eastern Suburbs | NZ Premiership | 20 | 7 |
| 2019-20 | FC Helsingør | Danish 2nd Div | 15 | 1 |
| 2020-21 | FC Helsingør | Danish 1st Div | 25 | 5 |
| 2021-22 | FC Helsingør | Danish 1st Div | 30 | 7 |
| 2022-23 | AC Horsens | Danish Superliga | 27 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | AC Horsens | Danish 1st Div | 27 | 3 |
| 2024-25 | AC Horsens | Danish 1st Div | 4 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | SKN St. Pölten (loan) | Austrian 2. Liga | 19 | 6 |
| 2025-26 | Motherwell | Scottish Premiership | 35 | 7 |
| Career Total | 186 | 33 | ||
International Career
| National Team | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand U17 | 2017 | 7 | 2 |
| New Zealand U20 | 2019 | 3 | 1 |
| New Zealand (Senior) | 2019- | 47 | 12 |
| Total International | 57+ | 15 | |
International Goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 Mar 2022 | Doha, Qatar | Fiji | 2-0 | 4-0 | WCQ 2022 |
| 2 | 21 Jun 2024 | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Vanuatu | 3-0 | 4-0 | OFC Nations Cup 2024 |
| 3 | 11 Oct 2024 | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Tahiti | 1-0 | 3-0 | WCQ 2026 |
| 4 | 14 Oct 2024 | Auckland, NZ | Malaysia | 1-0 | 4-0 | Friendly |
| 5 | 15 Nov 2024 | Hamilton, NZ | Vanuatu | 6-1 | 8-1 | WCQ 2026 |
| 6 | 18 Nov 2024 | Auckland, NZ | Samoa | 7-0 | 8-0 | WCQ 2026 |
| 7 | 24 Mar 2025 | Auckland, NZ | New Caledonia | 3-0 | 3-0 | WCQ 2026 |
| 8 | 7 Jun 2025 | Toronto, Canada | Ivory Coast | 1-0 | 1-0 | Canadian Shield 2025 |
| 9 | 30 Mar 2026 | Auckland, NZ | Chile | 2-0 | 4-1 | FIFA Series 2026 |
| 10 | 15 Jun 2026 | Los Angeles, USA | Iran | 1-0 | 2-2 | WC 2026 — First NZ brace |
| 11 | 15 Jun 2026 | Los Angeles, USA | Iran | 2-1 | 2-2 | WC 2026 — Brace |
| 12 | 26 Jun 2026 | Vancouver, Canada | Belgium | 1-3 | 1-5 | WC 2026 — Round of 16 |
Honours
| Honour | Year | Club/Nation |
|---|---|---|
| Central League | 2017 | Western Suburbs |
| Chatham Cup Runner-up | 2018 | Western Suburbs |
| New Zealand Football Championship | 2018-19 | Eastern Suburbs |
| OFC U-17 Championship | 2017 | New Zealand U17 |
| OFC Nations Cup | 2024 | New Zealand |
Physical Profile
Injury & Medical History
✓ Positive Filters
- Historic World Cup 2026 performances — first New Zealand player to score a brace at the FIFA World Cup (2 goals vs Iran, 1 vs Belgium). Demonstrates big-game mentality
- New Zealand's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 3 goals — Elite international pedigree in the sport's biggest tournament
- Breakthrough 2025-26 season at Motherwell: 35 SPFL apps, 7 goals — Proven at top-tier European level
- PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist (April 2026) — Recognized as one of the league's standout performers
- 47 New Zealand caps, 12 goals — Established international goalscorer with consistent call-ups since 2019
- Successful loan spell at SKN St. Pölten (19 apps, 6 goals in Austrian 2. Liga) — Career revival after difficult period at AC Horsens
- Product of the Olé Football Academy — Developed at one of New Zealand's most prestigious academies under Declan Edge
- Multi-country experience (New Zealand, Denmark, Austria, Scotland) — Proven adaptability and resilience across 4 football cultures
- OFC Nations Cup 2024 winner with New Zealand — Regional trophy winner
- Consistent goal output across career (33 goals in 186 apps, 0.18 GpA) — Reliable but not prolific finisher
- Good disciplinary record — 3 yellows in 35 SPFL apps, 0 red cards in career
- Age 26 — peak winger years — Physical prime with room for further development
- Two-year contract at Motherwell until 2027 — Long-term stability
- High work rate and pressing intensity — Fits modern high-press systems
- Unique cultural background (German father, Chinese mother) — Diverse cultural adaptability
- First Motherwell player to score at the FIFA World Cup — Historic club achievement
⚠ Caution Signals
- Modest career goal output (33 goals in 186 apps, 0.18 GpA) — Below elite winger standards; more of a workhorse than a prolific scorer
- No top-5 European league experience — Career path limited to Danish leagues (Superliga, 1st/2nd Division), Austrian 2. Liga, and Scottish Premiership
- Difficult period at AC Horsens (58 apps, 3 goals) — 0.05 GpA over 3 seasons raises questions about consistency
- Failed trial at PEC Zwolle (2018) — Dutch club deemed him not worth non-EU salary requirements
- World Cup 2026 goals came against weaker opposition (Iran, Tahiti) and in defeat (Belgium 1-5) — Context matters; not against elite-tier opposition
- Poor performances against stronger opposition at WC 2026 — 0-3 vs England (6.2 rating), 1-5 vs Belgium (7.8 but in heavy defeat)
- €500K market value — Low valuation reflects limited European profile
- Never established at a single club long-term — 7 clubs in 10 years; longest spell was 3 seasons at FC Helsingør
- Limited creative output — Primarily a finisher and direct runner, not a creator
- Small physical frame (174cm) — May struggle against physically dominant defenders in top leagues
- System-dependent player — Thrives in direct, counter-attacking systems; less effective in possession-dominant setups
✗ Critical Gaps
- All 16 T3 metrics pending — Zero validated video assessments. Full scout review required
- 1v1 dribbling ability — Can he beat elite defenders in tight spaces? T3 must assess
- Crossing quality — As a right winger, does he deliver accurate crosses or cut inside? Unknown
- Finishing under pressure — WC goals were impressive, but are they repeatable against elite keepers? T3 must validate
- Pressing effectiveness — Work rate is present, but does his pressing lead to turnovers? Unvalidated
- Defensive contribution — Does he track back and support his full-back? T3 must assess
- Decision-making speed — Does he think two seconds ahead or react to play? Unknown
- Physical duels against elite defenders — 174cm frame may limit aerial and physical dominance. T3 must assess
- Consistency across 90 minutes — Can he maintain high intensity for full matches? T3 must assess
- Link-up play quality — Can he combine effectively with teammates in intricate passing sequences? Unknown
- Comparison to SPFL alternatives — Does he offer significantly more than Motherwell's other wide options? T3 must assess
- Ceiling assessment — Can he move beyond the Scottish Premiership, or is this his level? T3 must determine
- Leadership and mentality — Does he command the forward line and lift teammates? Unvalidated
◆ Empire FGA Verdict
PROXY FGA 6.5 — EMERGING INTERNATIONAL WINGER with T3 validation required. Elijah Just is a 26-year-old New Zealand winger/forward with a proven track record across multiple European leagues and a breakthrough 2025-26 season at Motherwell (35 SPFL apps, 7 goals, PFA Scotland POTY shortlist). His historic 2026 FIFA World Cup brace against Iran and goal against Belgium demonstrate big-game mentality and international quality — he became the first New Zealand player to score two goals in a World Cup and is now the nation's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 3 goals. However, his entire T3 profile is unvalidated — no video-based micro-assessments have been completed. His modest career goal output (33 in 186 apps, 0.18 GpA), limited top-tier European experience (no top-5 league apps), and €500K market value suggest he is a solid professional with international pedigree rather than an elite European prospect. His difficult period at AC Horsens (58 apps, 3 goals) and failed PEC Zwolle trial raise questions about consistency at higher levels. At 26, he is in his peak winger years — T3 must assess whether he has the technical refinement, physical attributes, and consistency to move to a higher European level (Championship, Eredivisie, Bundesliga 2), or whether his ceiling is the Scottish Premiership / mid-tier European leagues. Best deployed as a right winger or second striker in a direct, counter-attacking, high-press system that values his pace, work rate, and finishing instinct. Less effective in possession-dominant, positional systems that require intricate passing and tactical intelligence. Validate T3 before any recruitment or retention decision. Focus on 1v1 dribbling, crossing quality, finishing under pressure, pressing intensity, defensive contribution, and consistency against elite opposition. If T3 confirms solid fundamentals across all metrics, he could reach FGA 7.0+; if gaps are identified in technical refinement or physical dominance, he likely remains a 6.0-6.5 player.
Scout Assessment Notes
Physical Identity Card
Winger-Specific Focus Areas
- → 1v1 Dribbling: Can he beat defenders in tight spaces against elite international defenders (England, Belgium)?
- → Crossing Quality: Does he deliver accurate crosses from the right or prefer to cut inside?
- → Finishing Under Pressure: Quality of his historic brace vs Iran — was it elite finishing or defensive errors?
- → Pressing Intensity: Does he trigger effective presses, or is his work rate cosmetic?
- → Defensive Contribution: Does he track back to support his full-back and maintain defensive shape?
- → Link-Up Play: Can he combine effectively with Chris Wood and midfielders in NZ's system?