The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be a landmark moment. The tournament is expanding to 32 teams and will be hosted across the 11 cities of the US from June 15 to July 13. The 2025 edition of the tournament is more than just a football tournament; it is going to be a showcase of talent, drama, and legacy.
Among the upper-tier football clubs on display are the European football clubs of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona and clubs from South America, Asia, and North America. But it’s not only clubs, it’s players who light up the pitch.
So here will be the top 5 players to see during FIFA Club WC 2025, and why you don’t want to miss a second of action on 96.com, your one-stop destination for football.
5 Players to Watch in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, continues to have a significant impact on football as a 37-year-old. In the 2025 MLS so far, Messi has tallied 10 goals and 7 assists in his 13 starts this season, 14 appearances total, while averaging an impact nearly every game. Throughout his time at Inter Miami, he has collectively scored 49 goals and 23 assists in 59 matches. The World Cup winner Argentina’s technical vision, set-piece ability, and leadership are paramount to Inter Miami’s chances of success in their first-ever Club World Cup entry.
2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Across the 2024-25 La Liga season, the 26-year-old Frenchman Mbappé has had an incredible first year with Madrid, scoring 31 goals and 3 assists in 34 league matches. Overall, Real Madrid’s forward smashed 43 total goals in 56 appearances, winning the European Golden Boot. More importantly, he has become the first Madrid player to record +30 league goals in his first season. Mbappé’s quickness, finishing abilities and overall goal-scoring form make him the player likely to score for Madrid.
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
For the 2024-25 season, the Norwegian, Haaland, again tops Man City’s scoring chart, scoring 31 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, 22 goals in 31 league matches. The 24-year-old star striker’s sheer physicality, spatial awareness, and qualities of a clinical goalscorer make him a threat to all teams. Overall, Haaland is one of a few strikers who has proven to be capable of altering the outcome of a match once he is on the pitch.
4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Since making the move to Bayern Munich, Kane has not only been a spectacular signing, but he has also won the Bundesliga Golden Boot back-to-back seasons and assisted Bayern in capturing his first-ever league title for the historical club. The Englishman has been spectacular for Bayern and has scored 35 or more goals in several seasons when you combine all competitions. The 31-year-old’s sublime striker’s ability to drop into midfield to help facilitate the build-up, alongside his goal-scoring prowess, makes him a uniquely viable piece for Bayern’s quest to become the best club in the world.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
The 36-year-old Lewandowski has continued to defy the odds, even at his age, with elite attacking performances. In La Liga’s 2024–25 Season, Barcelona scored 102 goals, which was a huge factor in Barca’s capturing a league title, and the Polish striker Lewandowski was the second-highest goal-scorer in La Liga that season with 27 goals. Barca striker’s ability to move smart, make decisions quickly and keep composure in the penalty area is still second to none; and Barcelona relies on Lewandowski to not just score goals for them, but also to provide stability.
Other Key Players to Monitor
- Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid): The Brazilian striker exhibited goalscoring brilliance to the tune of over 21 goals with 18 assists, the second-highest total assists for Madrid.
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): At just 22, Musiala is a creative threat, but has easily established himself as a key part of the midfield, regularly making game-changing contributions at both domestic and European levels.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The Spanish player may be only 17, but the swashbuckling striker is already breaking records and earning starting spots after electric running with the ball and game-changing football instincts.
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid): The 33-year-old Belgian is considered one of the best keepers in the world; he is a great shot-stopper and consistently performs in big games. Courtois can be the difference in closely contested matches during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
- Ousmane Dembélé & Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): There is no doubt that after winning the first UCL title for PSG, both players will be the Centre figures to watch out for. Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia both are fast and unpredictable; they have combined for 33 goals and 15 assists, and can add Champions League silverware to their trophy cabinet. Meanwhile, Dembélé is also one of the favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
- N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad): The 34-year-old Frenchman is one of the lethal midfielders who guided him to win the Saudi Arabian League title with Al Ittihad. It was also reported that he will join Al Hilal ahead of this tournament, which makes them an actual balanced side with his legendary work rate.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Club World Cup is not simply a tournament; it offers a battle of top sides, the rise of new stars and a proper thrill for football fans. With legends like Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland looking to write another chapter in history, and clubs from all corners of the globe with their eyes on success, it certainly could reshape football again.
So, whether you are cheering for Real Madrid, rooting for Inter Miami, or just enjoy watching world-class football, Register96.com is where the journey starts.
