Finn Surman has become one of the most exciting young defenders in MLS at just 22.
This article covers his net worth, Portland Timbers salary, career earnings, and everything that makes him a name to watch at the FIFA World Cup.
Finn Surman’s Biography
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Finn Surman |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Place of Birth | Cardiff, Wales |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Height | 1.90 m (6’3″) |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Current Club | Portland Timbers (MLS) |
| Turned Professional | December 2021 |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 (estimated) |
| Base Salary | $275,000 |
| Cap Hit | $303,233 |
Early Life and Career
Finn Surman was born on September 23, 2003, in Cardiff, Wales, but grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand. He took up football at a young age and joined Selwyn United, a club in Christchurch where many South Island players begin their footballing journey.
His ability stood out from an early age, and in 2019, Wellington Phoenix came calling. Surman relocated to the capital to join the Phoenix Academy at just 15, leaving his hometown behind for a serious shot at professional football.
He worked his way through the reserve system, making his first National League appearance at the tail end of the 2019–20 season.
Over the next two years, he became a regular at the heart of the Phoenix reserve defence, logging 37 appearances and scoring one goal across reserve competitions.
The big break came in November 2021. New Zealand’s COVID-19 border restrictions forced Wellington Phoenix to play their entire A-League season in Australia. Surman was one of three academy players invited to join the senior squad in Sydney.
He made the most of it, debuting in the FFA Cup against Western United on December 7, 2021 — and impressing enough to earn a three-year professional contract in February 2022.
Professional Career
Surman’s rise from academy player to reliable first-team starter happened quickly. After signing his professional deal with Wellington Phoenix, he became a regular feature in A-League Men football, initially featuring as a rotation option before establishing himself as a first-choice defender.
He started all 27 matches in the 2023–24 A-League campaign and both legs of the semifinal in the club’s playoff series.
He scored his lone A-League goal in game-winning fashion — a header in the 90+5 minute against Melbourne Victory on April 12, 2024 — which gave Wellington Phoenix their first top-two finish in club history.
His performances attracted attention from MLS. On July 20, 2024, Surman transferred to Portland Timbers for an undisclosed fee, becoming the third Wellington Phoenix academy graduate to sign an offshore club deal.
He enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season in his first full MLS campaign, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable center backs — tallying 247 clearances, 44 tackles, and 41 blocks while logging over 3,000 minutes of play.
He started all 35 matches, including all four playoff games, and earned the Timbers’ Supporter’s Player of the Year award.
On the international stage, Surman debuted for New Zealand’s senior team in November 2023. He was part of the New Zealand squad that won the 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup, starting all four matches including the final.
He was selected for New Zealand’s 26-player FIFA World Cup 2026 roster, lining up alongside MLS teammate Michael Boxall of Minnesota United FC.
He scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal for New Zealand in a group stage match against Egypt.
Finn Surman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Finn Surman’s has an estimated net worth of approximately $500,000.
He built this wealth through his professional contracts in New Zealand’s A-League and now Major League Soccer, where his salary has risen sharply since arriving at Portland Timbers in 2024.
Contract
Finn Surman signed a three-year contract with the Portland Timbers on July 19, 2024, via transfer from A-League side Wellington Phoenix — the deal includes a 2027 club option.
The contract runs through December 31, 2026, with Portland holding the right to extend by one further year.
According to Spotrac, the agreement puts Surman firmly in the mid-tier of MLS centre-backs for a player his age — a deal structured to reward his development trajectory.
Salary
In 2026, Surman earns a base salary of $275,000, with a total cap hit of $303,233 — the difference accounting for performance bonuses and other guaranteed money built into his MLS contract.
A-League salaries at Wellington Phoenix for young defenders are not publicly disclosed, but academy graduates typically earn between AUD $60,000 and AUD $100,000 during their initial professional contracts — a fraction of what Surman now earns in Portland.
His MLS move represented a significant salary step up, and a contract extension or new deal following the 2026 World Cup could push his earnings considerably higher.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Salary (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Wellington Phoenix (Academy/Pro) | Not disclosed |
| 2022–23 | Wellington Phoenix | Not disclosed |
| 2023–24 | Wellington Phoenix | Not disclosed |
| 2024 | Portland Timbers (partial season) | ~$275,000 (pro-rated) |
| 2025 | Portland Timbers | ~$275,000 |
| 2026 | Portland Timbers | $275,000 (base) |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League / FFA Cup | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League | 27 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Portland Timbers | MLS | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Portland Timbers | MLS + Playoffs | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | Portland Timbers | MLS (ongoing) | 14+ | 0 | 1 |
| Total (Senior) | 102+ | 1 | 1 |
FAQs
What is Finn Surman’s net worth?
Finn Surman’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. He has built his wealth primarily through his MLS contract with Portland Timbers, where his base salary sits at $275,000 per year.
How much does Finn Surman earn at Portland Timbers?
He earns a base salary of $275,000 in 2026, with a total cap hit of $303,233. He signed a three-year deal in July 2024, with a club option to extend through the 2027 MLS season.
Is Finn Surman playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. He was named in New Zealand’s 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first World Cup goal against Egypt in Group G, which also includes Belgium and Iran.
Where is Finn Surman from?
Surman was born in Cardiff, Wales, but grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand. He represents the New Zealand national team and began his career with Selwyn United before joining the Wellington Phoenix Academy in 2019.
What awards has Finn Surman won?
He won the Portland Timbers Supporter’s Player of the Year award in 2025 after starting all 35 matches in the MLS season. Internationally, he won the 2022 OFC U-19 Championship and the 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup with New Zealand.
