10 Players to Watch in the FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is going to be the biggest ever, with 32 elite clubs battling for global supremacy in front of superstars from Europe, South America, and far beyond. Witnessing performances that will be nothing short of mesmerizing, from living legends Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé to rising stars like Estevão Willian, this is every football fan’s dream. Here at Khelraja, we focus on the 10 players you don’t want to miss—vital players who will shift the tide in favour of one team or another in this historic competition. Whether it’s their skill, experience, or just raw brilliance, they were stars on this stage, ready to shine in the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – The Eternal Wizard
Still ageless, Messi led Inter Miami with 15 goals in 20 MLS matches this season, defying time at the eve of 37. The attractions Messi brings to the tournament are the genius creativity, not to forget the punching-through clutch performances. Having won the Club World Cup thrice with Barcelona, he now wants to add another to his staggering record of 46 career trophies. Joined by his ex-Barça mates Suárez, Busquets, and Alba, Messi could write himself another Miami fairytale through the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – The Bullet
Kylian Mbappé has come into his own with 43 goals in his debut season in Real Madrid and is ready to explode in the FIFA Club World Cup. He is an absolute beast- fast and deadly-at-that, and the combo makes him a nightmare defender to come up against.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – The Goal Machine
Thirty-one goals from 44 games this season tell why he ranks up there with the deadliest strikers in the world. The Norwegian giant missed FIFA Club World Cup glory last year owing to injury, and this time around, he is eager to get his first of such accolades. With a lethal combination of aerial power and finishing prowess, he is always a threat, and should he find form, defenders will have no answer against him.
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – The Ballon d’Or Hopeful
Dembélé has single-handedly been the best performer for PSG, with 33 goals and 15 assists to win them the historic UCL-Ligue 1-Coupe de France treble. The French winger’s dribbling and creativity are a nightmare for full backs. The Ballon d’Or scenario is heating up, and a splendid performance at the CWC can claim him as the best in the world.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – The Trophy Hunter
Kane has put behind him the beliefs of the last few years and has been hammering goals with 37 for Bayern throughout the season. With his clinical finishing and playmaking, he will be important in Bayern’s chase for their third title at the FIFA Club World Cup. After breaking scoring records in the Bundesliga, he is now setting his sights on global glory.
- Estevão Willian (Palmeiras) – The Next Big Thing
This 18-year-old Brazilian, dubbed the “next Messi,” is set for a $75m move to Chelsea after the tournament. With 13 goals and nine assists for Palmeiras, his dazzling dribbling and flair make him a must-watch talent. The FIFA Club World Cup is his final stage before Europe; expect him to light it up.
- Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid) – The Dribble King
Despite Mbappé coming in recently, Vinícius remains Madrid’s most electrifying winger, netting 21 goals and creating 15 assists this season. His explosive pace and trickery can cut through any defence. After a spoiler on his path to the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he will be highly charged to impress.
- Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) – The Silent Assassin
Álvarez was the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup’s top scorer; he didn’t stop there, scoring 29 goals at Atlético Madrid. The Argentine’s work ethic and adaptability are a coach’s delight. On this journey of an upset for Atleti, his efforts will be key.
- Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al-Hilal) – The Midfield Maestro
Milinković-Savić brings a career renaissance in Saudi Arabia, along with his physicality and creativity, to Al-Hilal’s midfield. His aerial strength and expansive range of passing could prove to be detrimental, come match time, to any prospective challengers from Europe.
- Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich) – The Raumdeuter’s Farewell
The double World Cup veteran aims to win a trophy on his farewell tour for Bayern. Müller’s intelligence off the ball and big-game experience make him a wildcard in putting Bayern on the throne.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is much more than a tournament; it is a panorama of football’s past, present, and future. From Messi’s genius to Estevão coming up, these 10 players will be the hallmark of the competition. Stay tuned to Khelraja for updates, analyses, and highlights as the action unfolds!
Also read: Who Are the Top Kabaddi Players of All Time in 2025?
