Top 5 players to watch at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is all set to kick off in the United States, with Inter Miami facing Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

With top clubs from around the globe competing and some of the biggest names in football taking the stage, fans can expect a thrilling month of world-class action. Here are 10 players who are likely to light up the tournament:

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The GOAT is coming to the Club World Cup.
At 37, Lionel Messi is still the heartbeat of Inter Miami and will be playing on home turf as the MLS club makes its tournament debut. The Argentine legend, who has eight Ballon d’Ors to his name, is looking to add another trophy to his storied career.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has transformed the club. He scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in his first full season, helping them lift the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. In the current campaign, he already has 15 goals from 20 games. He’ll also be turning 38 during the tournament, adding a layer of celebration to what could be another historic run.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid in 2024 lived up to the hype.
The French star ended his debut season as La Liga’s top scorer with 31 goals and tallied 43 goals in 56 matches overall — a record for a Madrid debut season. He eclipsed greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Zamorano.

With the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup already in his bag, the 26-year-old now has his eyes on Real’s sixth Club World Cup title. He’s not just in form — he’s on fire.

Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
Speed. Skill. Showmanship. Vinicius Jr brings it all.
The Brazilian winger was a force for Real Madrid last season, with 21 goals and 15 assists across 52 games. Though Real missed out on major trophies, Vinicius’ electric performances earned him a runner-up spot at the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

At just 24, he’s already one of the most exciting players in the world — and he’ll be vital to Madrid’s push for Club World Cup glory.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane finally got his hands on silverware.
After years of coming close, the England captain helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga in 2024-25 and made history by finishing as the league’s top scorer in both of his first two seasons.

With 26 goals in the title-winning campaign, the 31-year-old called it the “perfect end” to a brilliant season. Now, he’ll be aiming to lead Bayern to their third Club World Cup title.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland had the numbers, but not the trophies.
The powerful Norwegian striker scored 31 goals in 44 games last season, but City’s third-place league finish left him visibly frustrated. He called it “a horrific season” after they failed to clinch a historic fifth Premier League title in a row.

Now, he’s looking for redemption — and silverware — as he targets his first Club World Cup with City, having missed their 2023 triumph due to injury. At 24, he’s still one of the most feared goal scorers on the planet.

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