Dhaka, June 15 (V7N) — While global football giants like Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland prepare to battle on the grand stage of the Club World Cup, an extraordinary story is unfolding from Oceania. Auckland City FC, New Zealand’s most successful football club, fields a team where the captain is a soft drink salesman, the vice-captain works in real estate, and the goalkeeper holds a job in veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Unlike fully professional squads, many Auckland City players balance football with other careers or studies. From vending Coca-Cola to managing real estate deals, these players take leaves from their day jobs to chase their football dreams — competing against world-class stars in a prestigious tournament.

Team captain Mario Illich, a Coca-Cola sales representative, shared a glimpse into his daily routine. “I wake up early, hit the gym for an hour, then go to work by 8 am. After finishing my job, I train for two hours before heading to bed,” he said. Co-captain Adam Mitchell juggles football alongside his real estate business, while goalkeeper Connor Tracy works in a warehouse for a veterinary medicine company.

Despite the stark contrast in resources and experience between Auckland City and powerhouse clubs like Bayern Munich and Benfica, Illich remains optimistic. “We may not have the same facilities or salaries, but we are close friends on and off the pitch. Our unity is our strength, and we aim to cause some upsets,” he remarked confidently.

Auckland City FC boasts an impressive record in their region, having clinched the OFC Champions League title 13 times and frequently qualifying for the Club World Cup. This year, they have a golden chance to showcase their resilience and team spirit on football’s biggest stage.

Their journey is a testament to passion, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of amateur players who dream big despite the odds — reminding the world that football is more than just a profession; it is a way of life.

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