Show Notes
Auckland City FC, the OFC Champions League and New Zealand football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how an amateur, membership-run club became the most successful team in Oceania.
Founded in 2004 and rooted in Auckland’s Croatian immigrant football community, Auckland City FC have won 13 OFC Champions League titles and repeatedly represented Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup. Chris traces the club’s remarkable 2014 run to third place, featuring Ivan Vicelich, Ryan De Vries and Ramón Tribulietx, and its unforgettable 2025 Club World Cup draw with Boca Juniors after matches against Bayern Munich and Benfica.
The episode also explores the club’s home at Kiwitea Street, links to Central United, volunteer-driven structure, dominance of New Zealand football and rivalry with Wellington Olympic.
Current figures including Rudy Mozr, Regont Murati, Gerard Garriga and Angus Kilkolly help carry forward a club whose players still balance football with jobs and study.
Auckland City’s story is about how community, continuity and amateur football can still reach the world stage. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the show's website for an interactive map with all current teams, and suggest a club.
If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.
The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered The Underdog Football Show
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