The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is about to get underway in the United States, featuring a record 32 teams for the first time. This global competition will bring together elite clubs from every continent, each loaded with top-tier talent ready to battle for ultimate glory on the world’s biggest club stage.
This summer, all eyes will be on the stars expected to shine the brightest. From living legends like Lionel Messi seeking to add one more trophy to a historic career, to elite performers like Kylian Mbappé leading Real Madrid’s title charge, the tournament will be filled with players capable of defining moments.
This article spotlights 10 of the top players to watch at the 2025 Club World Cup. They hail from different leagues, football cultures, and playing styles — but all share the ability to make a decisive impact when it matters most.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: top 10 players
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé enjoyed a truly stellar 2024–25 season with Real Madrid: 44 goals in 57 matches across all competitions, including 31 strikes in 34 La Liga games, securing the Pichichi and European Golden Boots. He set a new record for most goals by a Madrid debutant and became the first player to claim the European, World Cup, and Champions League Golden Boots. With a lethal blend of pace, clinical finishing, and trophy-winning pedigree, Mbappé is the favorite for both top-scorer honors and MVP acclaim in the Club World Cup.
2. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Álvarez netted 29 goals in 54 appearances during the 2024–25 campaign, spanning La Liga, the Champions League, and Copa del Rey . Having already helped Argentina to Copa América glory in 2024 and the 2022 World Cup, he brings a blend of energy, creativity, and finishing instinct. His versatility—able to lead the line or act as a playmaker—makes him a dark horse for Golden Boot contention in the tournament.
3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Currently the player with the highest goals contribution in the MLS regular season in the current season, Messi remains a defining presence—Inter Miami’s marquee asset and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. With double-digit goal and assist potential expected, his impact goes far beyond mere numbers. His unparalleled ability to elevate teammates and control games positions him as a prime candidate for best-player recognition, even if he doesn’t lead the scoring charts outright.
4. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembélé impressed with 40 goals in 55 matches (21 in Ligue 1 and 8 in the Champions League) during 2024–25. Finally delivering on his potential, he clinched a treble and emerged as PSG’s main attacking threat. Gifted with blistering pace, ambidexterity, and creativity, he is a serious contender for the Club World Cup’s top scorer. And clinging the trophy will cement his position as the Balon d’Or most favourite.
5. Desire Doue (Paris Saint‑Germain)
A breakout star for PSG, Doue was pivotal in their 5–0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan and is now among the front-runners for this season’s Golden Boy award. His combination of flair, composure, and decisive performance on Europe’s biggest stage confirms his status as one of the world’s most exciting young talents heading into the tournament.
6. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane enjoyed another prolific season in Germany, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot for a second consecutive year. Renowned for his intelligent movement, technical finesse, and consistency, he offers Bayern dependability in crucial moments—and remains a top threat in the hunt for tournament top scorer, with the likes of Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala right beside him.
7. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The goal-scoring machine continued to roll even when Manchester City were clearly struggling in the 2024–25 season. Fresh from breaking goal-per-minute records, he’s arguably the most feared finisher in world football and a near-certain contender for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
8. Estevão (Palmeiras)
Estevão tallied 13 goals and 9 assists during the 2024 season, playing a key role in Palmeiras’ Libertadores success. Linked with a future at Chelsea, he also earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team. His blend of youthful flair, technical talent, and upward trajectory positions him as a potential breakout star on the world stage.
9. Emam Ashour (Al Ahly)
Ashour has been the heartbeat of Al Ahly’s midfield, helping the team to CAF Champions League glory and scoring in their most recent Club World Cup appearance. A dynamic midfield engine, his leadership and passing range could prove decisive, especially in tight knockout clashes, and he may emerge as the tournament’s standout African talent.
10. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Since his move from Manchester City, Palmer exploded into Chelsea’s best player, finishing the 2024–25 Premier League season with 15 goals and 8 assists in 37 matches, and key contributions in their Conference League victory. Now wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt , his creativity, versatility, and composure make him a potential game-changer and goal threat at the Club World Cup.
These ten stars—spanning global icons to rising phenoms—bring the goals, artistry, and narratives that promise to define the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
