From a warehouse to the Club World Cup.
Conor Tracey’s journey to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been anything but typical. By day, the Auckland City FC goalkeeper works full-time as a supervisor at a veterinary supply warehouse in New Zealand, overseeing the distribution of pharmaceuticals. By night and weekend, he suits up as a part-time professional soccer player for Auckland City.
To represent his club on soccer's grandest international stage, Tracey had to take a mixture of annual leave and unpaid time off from work to travel to the United States in the inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. “I’ve got to do a combination of annual leave and leave without pay. I’ll be suffering a bit with the rent and bills and stuff like that, but to play against FC Bayern Munich, SL Benfica and Boca [Juniors], 100% it’s worth it,” he shared.
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Despite Auckland City's crushing 10-0 defeat to German giants Bayern Munich in their tournament opener, Tracey stood out with a spirited performance, recording seven saves against a barrage of attacks during the full 90 minutes. One of the highlights of his night came post-match when he swapped jerseys with legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer — a surreal moment for a player more used to forklifts than floodlights.
This story is only one of many from Auckland City, with many players now going viral for their main occupations behind the soccer pitch as they continue their participation in the Club World Cup.
Auckland City FC’s captain is a supermarket salesperson pic.twitter.com/dGiOOKaNws
— Bayern & Football (@MunichFanpage) June 15, 2025
Most of Auckland City's squad is made up of players who balance their footballing commitments with full-time jobs, with a few of those still living at home or completing university studies juggling part-time employment.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 15, 2025
Auckland City now looks to regroup ahead of their next match against Portuguese powerhouse Benfica on Friday, June 20. No matter the result, these players stories' will continue to capture hearts.
