From Day Jobs to the World Stage: Auckland City's Fairytale Clash with Bayern
Imagine facing off against some of the world’s most elite footballers — Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland — while juggling a day job selling soda or stacking boxes in a warehouse. That’s not a movie script; it’s the real story of Auckland City FC at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Today, the tournament officially kicked off in the United States, and while the world is watching the million-dollar legs of superstars, there's one team that’s catching attention for reasons far beyond their playstyle: Auckland City. Representing Oceania, they're a group of part-time footballers and full-time workers — forklift drivers, real estate agents, Coca-Cola salesmen — who’ve earned the right to share the stage with giants like Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors.
Also Read:- Honoring Fatherhood: A Heartfelt Tribute on Father’s Day
- Wearing Two Aprons: Fathers Who Cook With Heart, At Work and At Home
Their captain, Mario Ilich, is a full-time Coca-Cola salesman by day and a passionate footballer by night. His daily routine starts at 5 AM with a workout, followed by a full workday in sales, and ends with training sessions that last until 9 PM. “They say pros train hard. But we have to work twice as hard — with two or three jobs and the same dream,” says Ilich.
Then there's Adam Mitchell, the team’s vice-captain, who once played in Europe for Red Star Belgrade and the Bolton Wanderers in England. After a series of setbacks, he chose to return to New Zealand and build a stable life in real estate. But football didn’t leave him, and today, thanks to Auckland City, he’s back on the international stage, chasing a dream once thought lost.
Goalkeeper Conor Tracey brings his own story — working in a veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse during the day and training at night. For Tracey, this tournament is not just a football milestone but the reward for years of perseverance, injuries, and the question every amateur athlete faces: “Is this worth it?” For him, it always was.
When the team gathered at 6 AM to watch the tournament draw live, they held their breath as names were announced: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors… and Auckland City. It was a moment they’ll never forget. Now, the underdogs from New Zealand are set to take on Bayern Munich in the opening game, with Ilich eager to face Joshua Kimmich, and Tracey bracing himself for shots from the legendary Manuel Neuer.
They might not have millions in their bank accounts, but what Auckland City brings to this tournament is something money can’t buy — grit, heart, and a love for the game that beats stronger than any endorsement deal. Their story is a reminder that in football, as in life, dreams don’t care about job titles. All they need is belief, and a little time after work.
Read More:
0 Comments