5 Key Players to Watch at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in the United States, with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami playing Egypt's Al Ahly in the opening match. The tournament, featuring high-profile players and breakout stars from top leagues, promises to be an exciting competition. Here are five key players to look out for, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, and Desire Doue.

Key Takeaways:

Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old Argentine icon, remains a global attraction and a danger on the pitch despite questions about his movement.
Kylian Mbappe, 26, is in his prime and has won several titles this season with Real Madrid, including the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Erling Haaland, 24, is hungry for silverware after a 'horrific' 2024-25 Premier League season and is a focal point for Manchester City in Group G.
Vinicius Junior, 24, is a powerful force for Real Madrid, having scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists in 52 matches in 2024-25, and will play a crucial role in the team's bid to dominate.
Desire Doue, 19, is a breakout star for Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, having notched double figures in goals and assists last season and will be instrumental in their electric attack.

Statistics:

Lionel Messi has scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 25 matches for Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield season.
Kylian Mbappe won the European Golden Shoe as La Liga's top scorer in 2024-25, scoring an impressive number of goals.
Erling Haaland scored 31 goals in 44 games (22 in the league) for Manchester City in a 'horrific' 2024-25 Premier League season.
Vinicius Junior scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists in 52 matches for Real Madrid in 2024-25.
Desire Doue notched double figures in goals and assists last season for Paris Saint-Germain, playing a key role in their historic quadruple.

Sources:

"The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off in the United States" - Daily Sun
"Messi led Inter Miami to the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield" - MLS website
"Mbappe won the European Golden Shoe as La Liga's top scorer in 2024-25" - ESPN
"Haaland scored 31 goals in 44 games (22 in the league) for Manchester City in a 'horrific' 2024-25 Premier League season" - Manchester City website
"Vinicius Junior scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists in 52 matches for Real Madrid in 2024-25" - Real Madrid website
"Desire Doue notched double figures in goals and assists last season for Paris Saint-Germain" - Paris Saint-Germain website