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Samuel - June 12, 2025
The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with football fans around the world gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
This year’s edition marks a historic milestone as it expands to include a broader selection of the most successful clubs from each of the six international confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, OFC, CONMEBOL, and UEFA.
With clubs accelerating their preparations and making major signings to strengthen their squads, the stage is set for elite-level football. Fans and pundits alike are eager to witness some of the game’s biggest stars compete on a global platform. Here are the standout players to keep an eye on at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
As the FIFA Club World Cup draws near, excitement continues to build for a month of world-class football and defining moments. While the tournament will feature many elite names, these standout stars, ranging from legends like Messi to breakout talents like Estevao are poised to steal the show.
Whether orchestrating attacks, scoring wonder goals, or dazzling with flair, they are the players set to leave their mark on football’s newest global stage.
With the tournament hosted in the United States, Inter Miami’s talisman Lionel Messi will naturally be at the center of global attention.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner returns to the international stage, aiming to guide his side to glory as they open their campaign against Al Ahly.
Messi is enjoying a standout season in the MLS, having recorded ten league goals and seven assists. His form, coupled with the massive spotlight on him, makes him a must-watch figure. With Inter Miami’s attack revolving around his playmaking and leadership, fans can expect plenty of magic from the Argentine legend.
Kylian Mbappe heads into the Club World Cup after a sensational debut campaign with Real Madrid, and expectations couldn’t be higher. Despite falling short of domestic and European silverware, his individual brilliance shone through, scoring 43 goals across all competitions.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are poised for a resurgence, and Mbappe is central to their ambitions. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and hunger for international success make him one of the most electrifying talents in the tournament.
Fresh off a treble-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain, Ousmane Dembele enters the tournament as a leading Ballon d’Or contender.
His performances have been among the most dynamic in world football, with his dribbling, speed, and creativity tormenting defenses all year.
Winning the Club World Cup could further cement his Ballon d’Or credentials. As PSG push to affirm their status as the world’s top club side, Dembele is expected to be the creative force leading the charge on the right flank.
Cole Palmer has rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s brightest young stars, and the Club World Cup offers the perfect global stage to showcase his talent.
The Chelsea midfielder capped off a sensational season with 15 league goals and eight assists, including a standout display in the Conference League final with two assists in a 4–1 win over Real Betis.
Buoyed by European success, Chelsea are widely tipped by analysts to top Group D, with Palmer positioned as their primary playmaker. His vision, technical skill, and composure under pressure mark him as a rising star to watch closely.
Erling Haaland remains one of the most fearsome forwards in world football. While Manchester City endured a relatively underwhelming season in terms of silverware, Haaland’s personal output was far from disappointing, scoring 22 league goals and adding three assists.
For Pep Guardiola’s side, the Club World Cup is a chance at redemption, and Haaland will be their spearhead. With his brute strength, lethal finishing, and big-match mentality, the Norwegian is poised to dominate once again on the global stage.
The 18-year-old Palmeiras sensation is another rising star to watch at the Club World Cup. Over the past three seasons in the Brazilian league, Estevao has showcased his exceptional talents, from his precision in free-kicks and elite dribbling to his visionary passing and remarkable shooting technique. Now, all eyes will be on him as he steps onto the international stage.
Having started the season with six goals and four assists in all competitions, the Brazilian forward enters the Club World Cup in top form. With a high-profile move to Chelsea looming after the tournament, Estevao has the perfect platform to prove he’s ready for European football.
Argentina’s 17-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono is another name set to make headlines. Poised to join Real Madrid, the River Plate attacking midfielder, capable of playing out wide or centrally has enjoyed a breakout start to the season with seven goals and four assists.
His versatility, creativity, and composure make him a key figure in River’s setup. The Club World Cup offers the ideal global showcase for Mastantuono to underline why Madrid are so eager to secure his services.
Kenan Yildiz had a breakthrough season with Juventus, notching seven goals and four assists in Serie A. The 20-year-old Italian forward was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for the Bianconeri.
Now under new manager Igor Tudor, Juventus are looking to make a statement in the Club World Cup. Yildiz, with his explosiveness, flair, and ability to cut inside from the left, could be the player who sparks their resurgence on the international stage.
