Charlotte is Dad's little champ

Ryan Nelsen with baby Charlotte. Photo / Supplied

This is the first photo of All Whites football hero Ryan Nelsen and his wife Monica's new baby daughter.

Charlotte Jane Nelsen was delivered by caesarean section in the United States on Wednesday (NZ time), weighing 3.4kg (7lb 8oz).

Nelsen rushed from New Zealand's last World Cup game in South Africa to Monica's hometown of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to be there for the birth. He told the Herald On Sunday yesterday Monica was not feeling the best but was recovering well.

They were both looking forward to getting eight hours' sleep - "not two like now".

Charlotte was born at St Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes. Monica had stayed in Detroit Lakes with her parents and the couple's 2-year-old son, Max, while Nelsen was in South Africa.

The family usually live in Britain, where Nelsen plays for premier division club Blackburn Rovers.

Monica Nelsen thanked wellwishers on Facebook: "I hope Charlotte gets to meet all of my wonderful friends someday," she said.

Nelsen will be in Australia later this month for a pre-season series of matches with Blackburn, before heading back to Britain for the start of the premier league. He may visit New Zealand as well.

Nelsen's parents Wayne and Christine, who live in Christchurch, plan to visit their newest grandchild in England later this year.