The Striker and the Clock; On Being in the Game

A Journey Through the Hidden World of Professional Women’s Soccer

For six years, across six teams and six countries, Georgia Cloepfil lived the relentless and unpredictable life of a professional soccer player. In South Korea, she trained in an isolated compound near an airport. In Australia, she coached youth teams just to make ends meet. In Lithuania, she played in the European Champions League—before empty stadiums, with little recognition. Living out of a single suitcase, she chased both better opportunities and the fleeting euphoria of playing at her peak.

The Striker and the Clock is a poignant exploration of the triumphs and struggles of an athlete’s life beyond the spotlight. Structured in ninety short passages—mirroring the ninety minutes of a match—it offers an intimate, lyrical meditation on dedication, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. More than just a sports memoir, it’s a love letter to the game and a powerful reflection on the intersection of passion and identity.

This beautifully crafted book captures the artistry of athletics and the profound fulfillment found in moments of brilliance, however fleeting they may be.