Ten forgotten faces who are set to play at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

With just over a week to go until the FIFA Club World Cup, the excitement continues to build as thirty-two teams from across the globe head to the USA for the newly revamped tournament. 

Among those sides is a stellar line-up of household names, who are set to shine at the competition, as well as legends of the game looking for one final dance in the big spotlight.

However, dig a little deeper, and there are several names set to appear at the tournament who haven't been at the forefront of fans minds for many years, now. 

Here's DAZN News' look at ten forgotten faces at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Olivier Giroud - LAFC 

A striker who has constantly been labelled 'underrated' throughout his career, but is still doing what he's always done best in the MLS with LAFC. 

The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward, who remains France's all-time record goalscorer, is still able to turn on the class when required and will lead the line for the American side. 

No doubt he'll be eager to get one over his former club when the Blues clash with LAFC in the opening game of Group D. 

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Thiago Silva - Fluminense

Many thought that when Silva signed for Chelsea, it would he his last quick hurrah before hanging up the boots, but that notion couldn't be further from the truth. 

Not only did the Brazilian legend continue on as the lynchpin in the Blues' defence for four seasons, but he's still going strong back home with Fluminense. 

He'll captain the Brazilian side in the States, aged 40, and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. 

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Manuel Lanzini - River Plate 

West Ham have a soft spot for a maverick, especially a short-lived affair, and the Hammers fans will be pleased to see they can rekindle their affection for a former star when River Plate take the stage in the States. 

Because among the club's exciting young talent is former Premier League entertainer Manuel Lanzini. Still only 32, the former West Ham number ten rejoined his boyhood club straight from East London in 2023. 

He's now racked up over 100 appearances in the famous red sash and will be a key player for them in the USA. 

Rui Patricio - Al Ain 

A goalkeeper who served Wolves in the Premier League, won Euro 2016 with Portugal and enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Roma, Patricio will be between the sticks for Al Ain at the Club World Cup. 

The 37-year-old has joined the Dubai club for the tournament after spending most of last year warming the bench of Atalanta of Serie A.

Capped over 100 times by his country and once voted 12th in the Ballon d'Or, he'll add some vital experience to a team expected to struggle against the elite in Group G. 

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Salomon Rondon - Pachuca 

No tournament is complete without a throwback to a vintage Premier League striker, and the Club World Cup is no different. 

Fans will recall the exploits of Saloman Rondon during his spells with West Brom, Newcastle, and Everton in the mid-to-late 2010s, when he made being a handful for defenders his calling card. 

He went on and played for River Plate before moving to Mexican side Pachuca in 2023, where he's already a club hero after netting twice in the club's 3-0 win over Columbus Crew to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup last June. 

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Bobby Clark - Red Bull Salzburg 

One for Liverpool fans, who at one point expected to see this name as part of the flurry of young players that have made it through the club's academy and established themselves as a first-teamer. 

In all, the talented forward made 14 appearances for the Reds and played in the 2024 League Cup final, but decided to seek opportunities elsewhere when he moved to Austria at the start of last season. 

He has since seen much more game time with Salzburg and experienced Champions League football with the club. 

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Danilo - Flamengo 

Manchester City seemed to have a thing for forgotten Brazilians in the 2010s, but Danilo is probably one of their most successful forays from the Selecao. 

The full-back spent two seasons at the Etihad, winning the Premier League title on both occasions before moving to Juventus in 2019. 

After more trophy success in Italy, the 33-year-old moved back home and signed for Flamengo in January and will add some big game European experience to the Brazilian's backline. 

Felipe Anderson - Palmeiras 

Another addition from the West Ham back catalogue of fleeting romances comes this tricky Brazilian, who starred in East London in a three-year spell. 

He scored ten goals in his first campaign, but failed to rediscover his magic for the Hammers after that, after suffering a series of injury setbacks. 

After leaving East London, Anderson moved back to Lazio before moving back to Brazil with Palmeiras last year and will be aiding their fortunes in Group A this month. 

Ander Herrera - Boca Juniors

You don't see many European players tread the boards for Boca, but this former Manchester United star is enjoying life in Argentina since making the move in January. 

Now 35, the Spainaird is one of four ex-United players among Boca's ranks alongside Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo and Edinson Cavani, but it's Herrera who could have the most important role to play in the centre of the club's midfield. 

Since leaving Old Trafford somewhat prematurely, the midfielder has enjoyed spells at PSG and Athletic Bilbao, before joining Boca this year. 

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Lee Chung-yong - Ulsan HD 

Now here's a name of a certain vintage that almost screams 'Barclays Man', but from the far reaches of a different Premier League era comes South Korean Lee Chung-yong. 

Back in 2009, the winger signed for Crystal Palace and spent time under Alan Pardew and Sam Allardyce at Selhurst Park before moving to Bolton and the delights of Gary Megson. 

Now 36, he'll strike a memory chord for some as he turns out for Ulsan HD at the Club World Cup, having spent the last five years with the K1 League club. 

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