The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more star-studded than ever before. The inaugural edition of the new 32-team, month-long tournament is set to descend upon the United States, bringing with it an unprecedented galaxy of footballing talent from across the globe. This is not just a competition between champion clubs; it is a global showcase for the sport’s most iconic legends, its most dominant superstars, and its most exciting rising talents.
From Lionel Messi leading his Inter Miami side on home soil to Kylian Mbappé spearheading a new era at Real Madrid, the tournament promises a month of captivating narratives and world-class action. This definitive guide breaks down the must-watch players who are set to define this new super tournament.
The Legends Tour: Messi, Ramos, and a Final Shot at Global Glory
For several of football’s most decorated veterans, the 2025 Club World Cup represents a unique opportunity to add another major global trophy to their glittering careers. Headlining this group is, without question, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi. His presence gives the tournament an immediate surge of star power, particularly for the American audience. He leads an Inter Miami side that features a legendary quartet of ex-Barcelona teammates, including striker Luis Suárez, midfield maestro Sergio Busquets, and left-back Jordi Alba. While Inter Miami’s inclusion as an invited host team is fortunate, the “Barcelona reunion tour” will be one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines.
Beyond the Miami-based legends, other iconic figures will play key roles for their respective teams. World Cup winner Sergio Ramos, one of the most fearsome defenders of his generation, will be marshalling the backline for Mexican side Monterrey, bringing his unmatched experience and competitive fire to the CONCACAF challenge. Meanwhile, another MLS side, Los Angeles FC, boasts two key members of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad in striker Olivier Giroud and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. For these titans of the game, this tournament is a chance to prove that class is permanent and to write another triumphant chapter in their storied careers.
The Heavy Hitters: Mbappé, Kane, and the Superstars in Their Prime
While the legends provide the nostalgia, the battle for the trophy will likely be decided by the superstars currently at the absolute peak of their powers. Leading this charge is Kylian Mbappé, who will be spearheading the attack for the new-look Real Madrid under manager Xabi Alonso. This tournament will be the first major test of this new era at Madrid, and all eyes will be on how Mbappé links up with his fellow attacking superstars.
He will face stiff competition for the tournament’s golden boot from England captain Harry Kane. The prolific striker will be leading the line for a Bayern Munich side determined to reassert its dominance on the world stage. After a trophyless season, defending champions Manchester City will be relying on their Norwegian phenomenon, Erling Haaland, to fire them back to glory. Not to be forgotten is the creative heartbeat of Atlético Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, whose intelligence and guile make his team a dangerous dark horse. The clash between these heavy hitters, all vying for the title of the world’s best, will be a central narrative throughout the tournament.
The Premier League Presence: England’s Stars and Familiar Faces
The tournament will have a distinctly English flavor, with a host of Premier League stars, past and present, set to feature prominently. It promises to be a particularly busy summer for key members of the England national team. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold will be pivotal figures for the Spanish giants. They will be joined in the tournament by fellow England internationals like Chelsea’s dynamic quartet of Cole Palmer, Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Noni Madueke, and Manchester City’s core group including Phil Foden and John Stones.
Fans will also get an early glimpse of some major new Premier League signings. Manchester City’s squad includes their new creative sparks, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, while Chelsea will be integrating new striker signing Liam Delap. Beyond the current stars, the tournament is a veritable who’s who of former Premier League talent. Fans will recognize names like Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger at Real Madrid, Julián Álvarez at Atlético Madrid, Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Inter Milan, and Michael Olise at Bayern Munich. Even further afield, former icons like Edinson Cavani (Boca Juniors), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), and Aleksandar Mitrović (Al-Hilal) will be representing clubs from around the globe, providing a fascinating reunion of familiar faces on a new stage.
Global Talent and a Notable Absence
While the European teams enter as favorites, the 32-team format provides a platform for talent from every confederation. All eyes will be on the Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Hilal, whose squad is packed with top-tier European experience, including former Manchester City full-back João Cancelo and ex-Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves. From South America, legendary Argentinian side Boca Juniors, featuring former Manchester United players Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, will bring a passionate and intense challenge.
However, one of the biggest names in world football will be conspicuously absent. Cristiano Ronaldo will not be participating in the tournament. This is because qualification from the Asian Football Confederation was determined by the winners of the 2021 AFC Champions League, which was Al-Hilal. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr team would have qualified had they won the more recent edition of the tournament but were eliminated in the quarterfinals. His absence means that fans will be denied a potential reunion clash with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, on the global stage.
