The five Club World Cup stars set to play in Europe next season

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered its usual blend of top-tier Champions League victors and surprise challengers from other confederations, but it also served as a global shop window.

Beyond the goals and glitz, a clutch of players earned themselves moves or serious interest from Europe’s biggest teams. Here are the five talents emerging from the tournament set to be heading overseas soon.

Estevao Willian – Signed for Chelsea

Chelsea

Chelsea struck a €34 million Estevao more than a year ago and the 18‑year‑old Brazilian forward will finally move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Deployed primarily on the right wing or as a No.10 for Palmeiras, he impressed fans at the Club World Cup with explosive pace, clever runs behind defences and a finishing touch that belies his age.

Over the tournament, Estevao completed 1.6 dribbles and 1.9 key passes per 90 minutes – placing him among the competition’s most dangerous wingers. He even scored against his future employers in a quarter-final defeat.

Estevao is now earmarked as part of a revamp of Chelsea’s attack – a young fleet-footed foil to their senior forwards. With European football awaiting, it’s clear this was a life-changing tournament for a player with a serious eye for the spectacular.

Franco Mastantuono – Set to join Real Madrid

At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono has emerged as Argentina’s most precociously gifted midfield talent since Juan Roman Riquelme.

The left-footed River Plate prodigy, already the club’s youngest ever Copa Libertadores scorer, combines vision, composure and deceptive athleticism in a style that belies his age.

Despite his youth, Mastantuono has shown remarkable maturity in possession – often dictating tempo from deep while also threatening with late runs into the final third. His dribbling is smooth, and his passing range is vast, with a particular knack for breaking lines.

Real Madrid, long committed to assembling South America’s finest young talents, have moved decisively. In June, the Spanish giants triggered Mastantuono’s reported €45 million release clause, according to multiple Argentine outlets, fending off interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. He is expected to arrive in Madrid once he turns 18, following the precedent set with fellow acquisitions like Endrick and Vinicius Jr.

While still raw, Mastantuono’s technical ceiling is enormous. River have already trusted him in pressure environments – he’s played league derbies and Copa ties with the assurance of a veteran. Madrid are betting on him becoming the next elite Argentine playmaker to light up the Bernabeu. Early signs suggest it’s a smart bet.

Richard Rios – Targeted by AC Milan, Roma & Manchester United

Colombian midfielder Richard Rios, 25, has risen to prominence at Palmeiras. He turned heads during their unexpected run to the Club World Cup semi-finals, with five key passes and two assists at the tournament.

Interest in Rios has erupted recently. Reports claim he’s agreed personal terms with Roma, while AC Milan are also monitoring him closely. Manchester United are believed to be evaluating him, too.

Rios shone brightest in the round of 16 and quarter-final, where his range of passing and ability to carry the ball through midfield earned praise across Europe.

Rios is believed to be Roma’s priority and talks continue between the clubs. With a €30 million valuation and a growing appreciation of his playmaking skills, the flamboyant Colombian midfielder seems destined for a top European side.

Jhon Arias – Wolves preparing £26 million swoop

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly launching a bid for Colombian winger Jhon Arias.

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Fluminense’s run to the Club World Cup semis, recording two goal involvements and leading the tournament with 18 created chances—more than any other player.

His performances impressed high-profile stars and clubs alike. Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea, for example, asked his for shirt after their clash, while Wolves assistant staff are said to have been “blown away.” Reports claim that Wolves have lined up a formal offer in the region of £26 million.

Arias’ blend of pace, creativity and work-rates makes him a Wolves-style signing. Manager Vitor Pereira, seeking a Matheus Cunha replacement, would find in Arias someone capable of running behind backlines, unlocking defences and sustaining pressure in the wide areas.

John Victor – Manchester United’s new goalkeeping target

While most eyes were on attacking talents and midfield orchestrators, Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor quietly emerged as one of the standout performers of the 2025 Club World Cup. The 24-year-old Botafogo No.1 played a crucial role in helping the Rio-based side reach the quarter-finals, earning rave reviews in the process.

With quick reactions, vocal authority and superb footwork, Victor’s performances drew comparisons to other Brazilian exports now thriving in Europe.

Reports from Brazil and England suggest that Manchester United have taken a keen interest in Victor, who would provide competition and long-term cover for Andre Onana.

United scouts were reportedly impressed by his ability to play out under pressure as well as his communication and anticipation, which anchored Botafogo’s back line at the Club World Cup.

Victor’s ability to launch counterattacks with accurate long passes and his steady hands in high-pressure moments mark him out as a modern goalkeeper tailored for the Premier League.

While no formal offer has been made, the links to Old Trafford are growing louder with each report. A move to Europe, on this evidence, feels like a matter of when, not if.

While transfer talks remain at the speculative stage, there’s little doubt that Victor has caught the attention of Europe’s top scouts. With United monitoring several options between the posts, Victor may soon be following in the footsteps of fellow Brazilian keepers such as Ederson and Allison who’ve made their name in England.

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