In a tournament dominated by millionaires of the World Soccer, New Zealand Auckland City became The most beloved team of the Club World Cup 2025not for lifting trophies, but for making history from humility. Although they were eliminated in the group stage, They tied 1-1 with Boca Juniors In the last game and take A historical economic reward… along with many anecdotes that disarm any logic of modern football.
A tie that is worth gold (and an unforgettable feat)
The Neozylen Club, almost completely composed of Semiprofessional playersachievement tie the Argentine giant Boca JuniorsI needed a win to dream of the classification. Far from that, the “xeneizes” were left without advancing and They were eliminated by a group of players who had to ask permission in their real jobs To play the tournament in the United States.
Christian Grayauthor of the historic goal of Auckland, He is a physical education professor at a primary school. “I have tasks accumulated for this month of absence,” he joked after the game. The goal scored after a corner in the 52nd minute and celebrated it as what was: A sports miracle and national joy.
The goalkeeper who cleans pools and asked for a loan to play
The history of the goalkeeper Sebastián Ciganda It excites even more. The Uruguayan revealed that in his day to day Work by cleaning pools and jacuzzis in New Zealand. To be able to travel to the United States, asked for vacations without salary enjoyment And besides requested a loan to the bank To cover expenses.
“If they didn’t give me the days, I had to give up,” Ciganda said. “When I come back, I return to work.”
The prize that changed their lives
Thanks to Boca Juniors, Auckland City took $ 1 millionprize granted by FIFA for each group in groups. That amount adds to 2.5 million who had already won just for participating in the tournament. For a club that pay only 93 euros per game to its playersthis represents the greatest income in its history.
“The prize is going to distribute between the coaching staff and all the players,” Ciganda confirmed in an interview with DSports Radio.
What makes Auckland City so special?
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Its players They do not receive fixed salaries and combine football with other jobs.
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They do not compete in the main league of the country, but in a Semiprofesional Regional League.
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After a debut with Defeat 10-0they said goodbye to the tournament drawing a historic draw against Boca.
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They traveled with effort, humility and sacrifice … and They will return to their normal lives as national heroes.
New Zealand press crazy
Means like Radio New Zealand, Stuff and the New Zealand Herald They cataloged the result as “One of the greatest symbolic victories” of New Zealand sport. The tie was celebrated as an epic deed that “He regained respect” of the team after the hard previous win and raised the profile of the oceanic club as never before.
A football lesson
In times where money is usually the engine of success, the Auckland City showed that The heart, effort and teamwork can still write magical stories. Although they are eliminated, they take Glory, international respect and an economic prize that will change the course of the club.
And the best: They did it with smiles, humility … and returning to work on Monday.
