Madrid CFF have announced the signing of Kate Taylor for the 2026/27 season.
The 22-year-old New Zealand defender arrives after completing two seasons with Dijon in the French top flight. The Spanish club have not disclosed the length of her contract.
Taylor joined Dijon from Wellington Phoenix in the summer of 2024. The French club signed her on a two-year deal and highlighted her physical strength, ability in defensive duels and composure when building play with either foot.
Her main position is centre-back, although she can also operate as a defensive midfielder.
It was in that role that she ended her time with Wellington Phoenix. After playing primarily in central defence during her first two seasons, she moved into midfield in 2023/24 to make greater use of her ball-winning ability and passing range.
She left the club after making 42 appearances, 41 of them starts.
Taylor made her senior debut for New Zealand in 2022 and was selected for the Paris 2024 Olympics. She appeared in all three group-stage matches and scored the goal that temporarily drew New Zealand level against France in their final game.
Her importance within the national team has continued to grow.
In April 2026, she captained New Zealand during the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament. She also wore the armband in the final against Papua New Guinea, where the team secured their place at Brazil 2027.
Taylor was listed with 32 senior caps and three goals when the squad was later announced for friendlies against Haiti and Morocco.
Madrid CFF have added a young player with experience in the A-League Women, the French top flight, the Olympic Games and senior international football.
Taylor joins Ana González and Débora Bebê among the first additions to a squad being rebuilt after eleven departures. Her arrival primarily strengthens central defence, while her experience in midfield gives the team another option for the 2026/27 season.