The ten players to watch at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The football world turns its attention to the USA this weekend, as FIFA's newly revamped Club World Cup kicks off on Saturday in Miami. 

Thirty-two teams from around the globe will compete in the festivities across the next month, with some of the world's biggest names trying to help their team become the 'best in the world'. 

It's also the perfect platform for new stars to be made, key players to return and some who are just looking to make an immediate impact with their new club. 

Here are ten stars DAZN News believes will be worth keeping an eye on at the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Rodri – Manchester City

Manchester City have brought in four new names ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup as they look to refresh their squad after a disappointing 2024-25, but it's the current Ballon d'Or holder who the spotlight will be on in the States. 

The tournament gives the City talisman the ideal opportunity to feel his way back into action following the ACL injury that has kept him out most of last season. 

If the Spanish midfielder can get enough minutes under his belt in a competition that City are expected to go deep into, then it will be bad news for the rest of the Premier League next season as Pep Guardiola's men look to avenge their trophyless campaign. 

A fit and firing Rodri, along with a new-look Man City, looking for revenge, spells bad news for everyone else. 

Estevao Willian – Palmeiras 

These tournaments are the ideal place for players to really make a name for themselves, and it almost feels destined that this year's breakout star will be Estevao. 

If you haven't heard about the latest Brazilian wonderkid, then you soon will. Not only because he will make an already agreed move to Chelsea at the end of the Club World Cup, but because he's one of the most exciting teenagers in the world. 

Already a title winner with Palmeiras and a full international with the national team, the forward has been compared to Lionel Messi and Neymar in his homeland, which gives you some indication of his potential. 

The competition is now his for the taking and a big reason to check out Palmeiras during the festivities. 

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Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid 

After spending his whole footballing life with his hometown club and winning every major trophy with Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold embarks on a new adventure with Real Madrid. 

He'll be joined by a new manager, too, with Xabi Alonso having taken charge after Carlo Ancelotti's departure, making Madrid an intriguing watch, especially to those at Anfield. 

After the initial shock of seeing the England man in a different club shirt, it will be interesting to see how Alonso uses him, and how he adapts to not only a new side, but the pressure of wearing the famous white shirt. 

Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Obviously, it's easy to say Harry will be one to watch, seeing as he's one of Europe's most deadly goal scorers, but he's also a striker who loves a tournament and a Golden Boot, too. 

The England captain has also finally got a taste of winning things, after ending his career trophy drought with Bayern's Bundesliga win in 2025. 

Having already bagged a Golden Boot in the Premier League, the Bundesliga, as well as in the World Cup and Euros for his country, few would doubt Kane from adding yet another in the States. 

He's a massive reason why Bayern are one of the favourites to go all the way. 

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Lionel Messi – Inter Miami 

There won't be too many more times we get to see Lionel Messi play on a global scale, and it will be fascinating to see him pit his GOAT-like wits against the very best once again. 

There isn't too much hope for the MLS sides, given the calibre of the opposition, but with Messi on their side, there's hope he'll still be able to Messi things and propel Inter Miami into the knockout rounds.

He, of course, has a trio of former Barcelona stars to aid him, but not for the first time, the spotlight will be on the footballing icon whenever Miami take to the field.

Is there one bit of Messi magic left in those talented boots?

(Getty Images)

Desire Doue – Paris Saint Germain

PSG came into the tournament on more of a high than any other club following their maiden Champions League win and while there are expectations around Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, it's their star of the show from their famous win that everyone is gagging to see.

Doue lit up proceedings in Munich and broke records against Inter Milan, capping off a breakout campaign for the talented forward, who has only just turned 20. 

He now gets a chance to carry that momentum into another competition, and many expect PSG to add another gong to their collection with players like this in their ranks. 

Liam Delap – Chelsea Getty Images

Delap wasted no time in making his big summer move and has decided against representing England's Under-21s at the Euros to play for his new team at the Club World Cup. 

It's an ideal opportunity for the forward to hit the ground running at Chelsea, where he'll find an increased pressure on his shoulders leading the line at a Champions League club. 

The striker hit 12 times for relegated Ipswich last season and has shown he has the pedigree to score goals at the highest level. Now it's the chance to prove it once again.

A good start for the Blues could well see him return to the States next summer as part of England's World Cup squad. 

@liamdelap

Aleksandar Mitrovic – Al Hilal 

Al Hilal will be taking the competition hugely seriously as they look to showcase the power of the Saudi Pro League and their squad is packed with some familiar names, including his former Fulham frontman. 

Mitrovic is still only 30 and has scored 68 goals in two seasons for the Saudi club, showing that even a move away from Europe's elite hasn't slowed him down in the slightest. 

Always a handful, the big, powerful centre forward could be an outside bet for the Golden Boot, depending on how far Al Hilal get in the competition. 
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Franco Mastantuono - River Plate 

If things had gone their way, this teenager would be heading into the tournament wearing a different white shirt, with Real Madrid ready to snap up this 17-year-old star. 

The midfielder has become the talk of Argentina following his breakthrough at River Plate and this past week made history by becoming the youngest-ever debutant for the national team. 

His displays have seen him likened to Phil Foden and Neymar, and he's already done enough to alert Madrid, who are still expected to try and sign the teen when the window reopens. 

By then, they may not be the only option for Mastantuono, who has a stage ready for him to show his immense talent at the Club World Cup.

Federico Peretti/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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