The Unlikely Showdown: FC Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City FC at the Club World Cup
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Non-Professional Footballer-Free Club Heading to World Cup
Angus Kilkolly, a sales manager for an electrical tools company, described his routine: "My workday starts at 7:30 AM and usually ends around 9 PM. In my spare time, I play football for Auckland City FC." Despite his busy schedule, Kilkolly and his fellow amateurs from Auckland City FC are gearing up to take on some of the world's top football teams – including FC Bayern Munich's international stars like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé – in the Club World Cup tournament in the United States. The twist? Kilkolly and his teammates may have to take unpaid vacations to participate.
"It's a dream come true," Kilkolly shared with news agency AFP. "But it will be unpaid because I don't actually have that much vacation left." The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents Kilkolly and his team the chance to compete on a global stage and "feel like a professional footballer" without actually being one.
While FC Bayern Munich's squad value alone is 903 million euros, with high-value players and top salaries, Auckland City FC's overall player value is approximately 5.2 million euros, reflecting their amateur status and limited resources. However, they are determined to make an impression on the big stage. "We don't concede many goals in New Zealand, so it's naturally our goal not to concede too many at the World Cup either," Kilkolly said. He even has a specific goal in mind for the World Cup opener: swapping jerseys with superstar Kane, who reportedly earns more in a week than Kilkolly makes in a year.
In contrast to the high-profile Allianz Arena where Bayern Munich plays, Auckland City FC's cozy sports field at Kiwitea Street in Auckland attracts fewer fans. Nevertheless, they consider themselves a family club that prides itself on inclusivity and camaraderie.
Club World Cup 2025
FC Bayern Munich
FIFA
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Interestingly, Auckland City FC has participated in the Club World Cup 13 times, even finishing third in a different format in 2014. This year's tournament promises to be an exciting test for the team as they face off against one of the world's best clubs.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
Enrichment Data:Auckland City FC has a squad value of approximately 5.2 million euros, while FC Bayern Munich's squad is valued at around 843.5 million euros, demonstrating a vast difference in resources and financial backing between the two teams. This standout match at the Club World Cup showcases the unique juxtaposition of professional and amateur football.
- The employment policy within Angus Kilkolly's company likely does not account for extended unpaid leaves to compete in global football tournaments, such as the Club World Cup.
- During their spare time, members of Auckland City FC, like Angus Kilkolly, engage in sports like football, emulating the champions-league caliber play they will face in the Club World Cup.
- Despite the significant gap in squad values between Auckland City FC (5.2 million euros) and FC Bayern Munich (843.5 million euros), the community policy of inclusivity and camaraderie at Auckland City FC remains a key part of their identity, as they prepare for the Club World Cup tournament.
