Michael Boxall Stays Grounded Ahead of New Zealand’s World Cup Return
Michael Boxall is ignoring the World Cup hype and keeping his attention on family as New Zealand prepares for its first Fifa World Cup in 16 years. The 37-year-old All Whites defender said he has learned to shut out the noise while the tournament builds around him.
Boxall and New Zealand
"I learnt a long time ago that it’s not helpful to get involved in any of that dialogue, good or bad," Boxall said from his US home ahead of the World Cup. "The buzz for the World Cup is growing, for sure, but we live in our little bubble and don’t pay attention to the news."
He said his focus stays on the parts of life that have been constant for years: "I focus on the things that are important to me – our kids, Libby, my family and friends – and I make sure I show up to do my job with football." Boxall has played professional football since he was 18, after leaving Aotearoa on a scholarship to the University of California.
Libby, Maxwell and Beau
That private routine has been built over time. Boxall, Libby, daughter Maxwell and son Beau have been based in Minnesota for nine years, and he has played for teams in Vancouver, Wellington, South Africa and Minnesota during that span of his career.
Libby has described the family’s life as raising their kids somewhere foreign while her husband is often away, and she keeps busy with her Kiwi-made skincare business Milou Beauty. Boxall has said Minnesota suits that setup because their daughter can ride her bike around the neighbourhood, the schools are great and the area is quiet.
For a player heading into a World Cup return, the domestic details matter because they shape the tone around the tournament. Boxall said, "Because I’m one of the more senior guys, I’ll be focusing on helping the younger ones enjoy the moment and try to make others proud of our performances," which puts his role inside the squad as clearly as his place at home.
Senior role for the All Whites
He also said the US portion of the tournament will bring his family closer to the event: "Some of the games are in the US, so it’ll be cool to have Libby and the kids there." New Zealand’s return after 16 years gives that trip a different edge, with Boxall carrying both the experience of a longtime defender and the perspective of someone who has built a life far from home.
Boxall grew up in One Tree Hill, met Libby through mutual friends in 2014 when he was based in Wellington, and married her at their local courthouse in 2018. He will arrive at the tournament as one of the more senior players in the All Whites squad, but the part he keeps stressing is simpler than any outside noise: family first, football second, and the younger players next to him should get the same chance to enjoy the moment.
