Top 10 Players to Watch at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off in the United States, with top-tier clubs from around the world competing in the month-long tournament. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of football talent, with some of the world's best players and breakout stars on display. Here's a look at the top 10 players who are expected to light up the competition.

These players are handpicked from the best leagues in the world, each with impressive records and credentials that make them a force to be reckoned with. They will be competing for their respective clubs, with some seeking to add to their trophy collections and others looking to make a name for themselves in the football world.

Among the top picks is Lionel Messi, the record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and arguably the greatest footballer of all time. He will be leading the charge for Inter Miami, while Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will be looking to make a dent in the competition for Real Madrid. Other notable mentions include Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembele, all of whom have enjoyed standout seasons and are expected to bring their A-game to the tournament. Brazilian talents Estevao and Jhon Arias will also be representing Palmeiras and Fluminense, respectively, and are expected to create a buzz in the competition.

Key Takeaways:

Lionel Messi is expected to steal the limelight at the Club World Cup, leading Inter Miami with his unparalleled footballing skills.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr will be aiming to get their hands on the Club World Cup with Real Madrid, who have a record five titles.
Harry Kane will be key to Bayern Munich's chances of lifting the third Club World Cup title, having won the league title and top scorer award with the Englishman.
Erling Haaland will be seeking to win the Club World Cup for the first time with Manchester City, having missed their 2023 triumph due to injury.
Ousmane Dembele will be representing Paris Saint-Germain, with a stellar season under his belt, including a dominant Ligue 1 title and Champions League triumph.
Estevao, a rising star in Brazilian football, will be making his final appearance for Palmeiras before joining Chelsea in the 2025-26 season.
Salomon Rondon will be representing Pachuca, after helping the Mexican club reach the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
Miguel Borja will be counting on his experience to make a significant impact at River Plate, as the South American giants make their tournament debut.
Jhon Arias will be the player to watch for Fluminense, with his versatility and talent on display in the competition.

Statistics:

Lionel Messi has made 25 appearances for Inter Miami, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists in the 2024 MLS season.
Kylian Mbappe has 43 goals in 56 matches in all competitions in 2024-25, breaking multiple records at Real Madrid.
Harry Kane has won the league title and top scorer award with Bayern Munich in 2024-25, marking the "perfect end" to a "brilliant season".
Erling Haaland has scored 31 times in 44 appearances for Manchester City in 2024-25, despite the team's underwhelming season.
Ousmane Dembele has achieved 21 league goals and 8 goals in the Champions League in 2024, leading PSG to dominate performances in multiple competitions.
Estevao has scored 13 goals and 9 assists in Brazilian Serie A for Palmeiras in 2024, with a potential transfer to Chelsea in the 2025-26 season.
Salomon Rondon has scored 10 goals and 3 assists in Liga MX Clasura 2024-25 for Pachuca, with the club reaching the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.

Sources:

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule and qualified teams
Al Jazeera
Lionel Messi's records with Inter Miami
Kylian Mbappe's records with Real Madrid
Harry Kane's records with Bayern Munich
Erling Haaland's records with Manchester City
Ousmane Dembele's records with Paris Saint-Germain
Estevao's records with Palmeiras
Salomon Rondon's records with Pachuca
Miguel Borja's records with River Plate
Jhon Arias' records with Fluminense