FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Key Players Who Could Shine
4 minutes
Last Updated: June 11, 2025
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup is set to transform global club soccer when it debuts in the United States during June and July 2025.
This tournament marks a significant evolution, expanding from seven to 32 teams from across six confederations. Bringing together clubs from every continent in a more inclusive and competitive format, the tournament promises more matches and a substantially increased prize pool of $1 billion.
With an unprecedented scale, clubs are expected to field their strongest squads, bringing together an array of world-class talent and emerging stars. This event offers an exciting opportunity to witness seasoned legends alongside promising young players vying for global club supremacy.
Prolific Strikers Leading the Line
The 2025 tournament will feature the following formidable forwards, renowned for their goal-scoring prowess:
- Erling Haaland: A Manchester City standout, he has already set remarkable records. This includes 36 Premier League goals in his debut season, a competition record.
- Harry Kane: Now with Bayern Munich, he arrived in Bavaria as the record goalscorer for both club and country, netting 280 times for Tottenham Hotspur across all competitions.
- Germán Cano: This Fluminense striker has saved his best form for later career stages, scoring 13 goals in 12 Copa Libertadores appearances in 2023.
- Kylian Mbappé: He has enjoyed an outstanding personal debut season with Real Madrid, finishing with 42 goals in all competitions.
- Julián Álvarez: Now with Atlético Madrid, he concluded his campaign with an impressive 29 goals across all competitions.
With these talents expected to feature, FIFA Club World Cup odds are already reflecting the potential impact of such clinical finishers. Their inclusion not only boosts their teams’ chances but also fuels massive global interest, drawing fans from all corners of the world to follow every match.
Masterful Midfield Maestros
Control and creativity in midfield will be crucial, and several players are ready to dictate the flow of play. These midfield engines will be instrumental in driving their teams forward:
- Jude Bellingham: He has rapidly established himself as a world-class midfielder for Real Madrid, scoring 10 goals in his first 10 games for the Spanish giants.
- Emam Ashour: Playing for Al Ahly, he was named Player of the Match in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup play-off for third place, highlighting his midfield impact.
- Andres Guardado: He brings immense experience to Club Leon, having made a record-breaking 179 appearances for the Mexico national team.
- Désiré Doué: This versatile Paris Saint-Germain playmaker surpassed double figures in both goals and assists for his club last season.
Defensive Pillars and Shot-Stopping Stars
While goals often grab headlines, the tournament will also showcase the following elite defensive talent:
- Yassine Bounou: This Al-Hilal experienced goalkeeper was a finalist for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2023.
- Hiroki Sakai: He is a consistently dependable defender for Urawa Red Diamonds and has earned over 74 caps for the Japan national team.
- Benfica’s António Silva: This center-back has already made over 100 appearances for his club, demonstrating remarkable composure for his age.
These individuals are the vital last line of defense that every championship-winning team requires. In a high-stakes tournament where a single goal can decide a team’s fate, their reliability is crucial. Their ability to deny opponents and organize their back lines will be pivotal to the team’s success.
Rising Stars Poised for Global Breakthroughs
The Club World Cup provides a global stage for emerging talents to reveal themselves. Strong performances here could skyrocket their market value and potentially secure high-profile transfers to elite European clubs. These young players are eager to make their mark on the international club scene:
- Franco Mastantuono: This 17-year-old from River Plate is already drawing attention from top European clubs for his technical prowess and thunderous shot.
- Karim Konaté: At just 21, he has already scored 34 goals in 65 appearances for RB Salzburg, blending strength with creative footwork.
- Kenan Yıldız: This 20-year-old Juventus playmaker finished his recent campaign with nine goals across all competitions, many from powerful long-range efforts.
- Cole Palmer: After overcoming a challenging spell, he ended his season in superb fashion for Chelsea, hinting at his potential for the tournament.
Influential Homegrown and Global Icons
The tournament will feature players whose presence extends beyond the field, captivating global audiences and representing local pride.
Lionel Messi, who will be turning 38 during the tournament, continues to showcase his unparalleled skill for Inter Miami. His involvement is seen as a significant factor in attracting a wider global audience to the Club World Cup.
Jordan Morris, a Seattle Sounders stalwart, was a key player when his team lifted the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup, making them the first US team to qualify for the event. His ability to play on the wing or as a striker makes him a versatile asset for the Sounders on home soil.
A Global Stage Set for Greatness
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA is set to be a landmark event, showcasing a captivating mix of soccer titans and rising talents. These influential players are poised to leave a significant mark on the competition.
With an expanded format and increased stakes, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and standout individual performances from players across different generations and continents. The stage is set for these athletes to cement their legacies in this inaugural, global edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
