Top players to watch at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Criteria for selecting top players

The selection of top players to watch at the Club World Cup is based on a thorough evaluation of their recent performances, individual accolades, and contributions to their teams’ success. These criteria ensure a focus on players likely to make a significant impact in the tournament

– Recent performances and consistency in domestic/international matches: Players were chosen based on their form in the 2024-25 season across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international fixtures. For example, Kylian Mbappé’s 42 goals in his debut season with Real Madrid and Wessam Abou Ali’s 19 goal contributions (14 goals and 5 assists)  in the Egyptian Premier League highlight their scoring consistency. Regular contributions in high-stakes matches, such as Désiré Doué’s role in PSG’s quadruple were also prioritised.
– Individual accolades and recognition: Players with notable awards or global attention were favored. Mbappé’s European Golden Boot and Lionel Messi’s enduring legacy as a multiple Ballon d’Or winner underscore their elite status. Emerging talents like Franco Mastantuono, drawing interest from Real Madrid, and Kenan Yıldız, recognised for his breakout season with Juventus, also gained attention through media and transfer speculation.
– Key contributions to their respective teams’ success: Players were selected for their pivotal roles in their clubs’ achievements, such as winning continental titles or domestic leagues. For instance, Aleksandar Mitrović’s 35 goals for Al Hilal and Cole Palmer’s standout performances in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League campaign highlight their importance.

Players from Europe

Europe’s representation is formidable, with 12 teams qualifying, including recent UEFA Champions League winners like Real Madrid (2023-24), Manchester City (2022-23), Chelsea (2020-21), and Paris Saint-Germain (2024-25), who secured a historic quadruple in 2025. These clubs, known for their depth, tactical sophistication, and global talent, are expected to dominate the tournament. Their participation brings a wealth of star power, with players poised to shape the competition’s narrative.

Profiles of standout players

– Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, Forward): At 26, Mbappé has solidified his status as one of football’s elite, scoring 42 goals in his debut 2024-25 season with Real Madrid, breaking Iván Zamorano’s club record and earning the European Golden Boot. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in big games make him a prime candidate to lead Real Madrid’s attack and potentially top the tournament’s scoring charts.
– Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Forward): The Norwegian striker, aged 24, remains a goal-scoring machine, with his physical presence and predatory instincts central to Manchester City’s success. His consistent output in the Premier League and Champions League, positions him as a key figure for the tournament favorites . Haaland’s role as a focal point in City’s attack will be crucial for their cup aspirations.
– Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain, Forward): At just 19, Doué has emerged as a star, contributing double figures in goals and assists during PSG’s quadruple, including their Champions League triumph. His versatility, flair, and composure under pressure mark him as a rising talent to watch, with the potential to shine on the global stage.
– Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, Forward): At 25, Álvarez has had an impressive 2024–25 season with Atlético Madrid, scoring 29 goals and providing 7 assists across all competitions. His adaptability and sharp finishing have made him a key figure in Atlético’s attacking lineup.
– Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, Winger): The 28-year-old French winger delivered a stellar performance in the 2024–25 season, netting 24 goals and providing 14 assists in Ligue 1. His contributions were pivotal in PSG’s Champions League triumph, earning him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award and even shouts for this year’s ballon d’or award.
– Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt / Man City, Forward): Marmoush, 26, showcased his offensive prowess during the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, scoring 15 goals and assisting 10 times with Frankfurt, before moving to City in January where he racked up an additional 7 goals and 2 assists.
– Kenan Yıldız (Juventus, Attacking Midfielder): At just 20, Yıldız has emerged as a promising talent for Juventus. In the 2024–25 season, he recorded 9 goals and 7 assists across all competitions, earning him the “Pallone di TuttoJuve.com” award, as voted by the fans.
– Karim Konaté (RB Salzburg, Forward): The 21-year-old Ivorian striker had a notable season with RB Salzburg, scoring 4 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga and adding 2 goals in the UEFA Champions League. His speed and finishing skills make him a player to watch.
– Cole Palmer (Chelsea, Attacking Midfielder): Palmer, 23, had a good season with Chelsea in 2024–25, scoring 15 goals and providing 9 assists in the Premier League. His creativity and vision have been central to Chelsea’s attacking strategies.

Players from South America 

South America’s six representatives bring flair, passion, and technical prowess to the tournament. Leading the pack are Copa Libertadores winners like River Plate , Flamengo and Palmeira, alongside other powerhouses such as Boca Juniors. These clubs, known for their competitive edge and rich footballing heritage, are expected to challenge Europe’s dominance with their dynamic style and fervent support.

Highlight key figures

– Franco Mastantuono (River Plate, Attacking Midfielder): At just 17, Mastantuono has emerged as a standout talent, contributing seven goals and four assists this season. His versatility as a playmaker, combined with his composure and vision, shone in River Plate’s Libertadores campaign, drawing interest from Real Madrid. He is poised to showcase his potential on the global stage, potentially becoming a breakout star.
– Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo, Midfielder): The 30-year-old Uruguayan playmaker, known for his creativity and leadership, was instrumental in Flamengo’s 2022 Libertadores triumph and continues to be a key figure. His ability to dictate tempo and provide key passes makes him a vital asset, offering experience and flair to guide Flamengo against top opposition.

Players from North America

North America’s representation includes four teams, with standout clubs like Inter Miami (host representative), Pachuca (2024 Concacaf Champions Cup winners), Monterrey, and Seattle Sounders. These teams bring a mix of domestic strength and international ambition, with Inter Miami’s global appeal amplified by their star-studded roster. CONCACAF’s clubs are poised to make a mark, leveraging home support and competitive edge in this historic 32-team tournament.

Focused profiles

– Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Forward): Of course he’s on this list, he’s Messi! At 38, Messi remains a global icon, continuing to deliver elite performances in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. His legendary career, marked by multiple Ballon d’Or awards and a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup success, makes him a focal point for the host team. Messi’s vision, dribbling, and clutch scoring ability are expected to inspire Inter Miami and draw massive attention to the tournament.
– Federico Pereira (Pachuca, Defender): The 24-year-old Uruguayan center-back, on loan from Toluca, has been a defensive rock for Pachuca, contributing to their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup victory. Known for his composure, tackling, and aerial ability, Pereira’s role will be crucial in stabilizing Pachuca’s backline against top global offenses
– Brandon Vázquez (Monterrey, Forward): The 26-year-old Mexican-American striker has emerged as a key figure for Monterrey, with a strong goal-scoring record in Liga MX and Concacaf competitions. His physicality and finishing ability position him as a young talent with international potential, capable of making an impact.

Players from Asia

Asia’s representation includes four teams, with standout clubs like Al Ain (2023-24 AFC Champions League winners), Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Ulsan HD. These teams, known for their tactical discipline and technical skill, bring a competitive edge to the 32-team tournament. Al Hilal and Al Ain, in particular, boast strong squads with players capable of challenging top clubs from Europe and South America.

– Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal, Forward): The 30-year-old Serbian striker has been a prolific scorer, netting 19 goals in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing make him a key attacking threat for Al Hilal.
– Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal, Midfielder): The 33-year-old Saudi international is a creative force, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists in the 2024-25 season. Known for his dribbling, vision, and clutch performances, Al-Dawsari anchors Al Hilal’s midfield and provides leadership, making him vital for their campaign.
– Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, Forward): At 28, Rahimi is a rising star in Asian football, having played a pivotal role in Al Ain’s 2023-24 AFC Champions League triumph with his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. His pace and flair make him a potential breakout performer, capable of catching the eye of global scouts.

Players from Africa 

Africa’s representation includes four formidable teams: Al Ahly (2023-24 CAF Champions League winners), Wydad AC, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Al Ahly, in particular, stands out as a continental powerhouse with a rich history of success, ready to challenge global giants.

– Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly, Forward): The 26-year-old Palestinian-Danish striker has been a revelation, scoring 35 goals in 57 appearances for Al Ahly, including 18 goals to top the Egyptian Premier League scoring charts in 2023-24. His clinical finishing and movement off the ball make him a constant threat, poised to lead Al Ahly’s attack in the tournament.
– Zineddine Belaïd (Al Ahly, Defender): The 25-year-old Algerian center-back has been a cornerstone of Al Ahly’s defense, providing stability with his strong tackling and aerial ability. His performances in the 2023-24 CAF Champions League were crucial to Al Ahly’s title run, and his composure under pressure will be vital against top talent.

Players from Oceania

Oceania’s sole representative is Auckland City. As the highest-ranked team from the Oceania football confederation, Auckland City brings a wealth of experience, having competed in multiple Club World Cup editions. Despite facing tougher opposition in the expanded 32-team format, their disciplined approach and team cohesion make them a compelling underdog to watch.

Highlighted players

– Cameron Howieson (Auckland City, Midfielder/Captain): The 30-year-old New Zealand international serves as Auckland City’s captain and creative hub. Known for his work rate, vision, and ability to control the midfield, Howieson has been a consistent performer in the OFC Champions League, contributing key goals and assists. His leadership will be crucial as Auckland City aims to compete against global giants.
– Joseph Lee (Auckland City, Forward): The 22-year-old forward has emerged as a promising talent, showcasing pace and finishing in the OFC Champions League. With a growing reputation in New Zealand football, Lee’s ability to exploit spaces and score in critical moments positions him as a potential breakout star, aiming to make an international impact in this high-profile tournament.

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