When Inter Miami step onto the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly, they won’t just kick off the first match. They’ll open a new chapter for Major League Soccer and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. For the first time, this expanded monthlong tournament will unfold on U.S. soil, offering more than just football—it’s a global spotlight for talent, pride, and ambition.

From legends nearing their final curtain to rising stars ready to seize the spotlight, these ten players are set to shape the narrative of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

In a country where football still fights for cultural space, Messi has become both a beacon and a movement. Now 37, and set to turn 38 during the tournament, he leads Inter Miami’s historic debut at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a wave of support behind him.

Since his arrival in 2023, Messi has elevated the club to contenders. His 23 goals and 13 assists in his first full season powered Inter Miami to its first MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024. He has already bagged 15 goals this season in 20 matches. Expect magic—because he hasn’t stopped delivering.

2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

If Messi reflects the past and present, Mbappé represents the future. After his 2024 move to Real Madrid, the Frenchman made headlines worldwide—and he backed it up.

With 43 goals in 56 appearances, he shattered club debut-season records. He claimed La Liga’s Golden Boot with 31 goals and lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. At 26, Mbappé isn’t just chasing trophies—he’s crafting a legacy.

3. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)

Sharing the front line with Mbappé, Vinícius Jr continues to shine. Once seen as a gamble at age 17, he’s now one of the world’s top attacking threats.

It makes sense that a Ballon d’Or runner-up is also considered one of the top talents in the world.

He’s got the stats to back it up: 21 goals and 15 assists in the 2024-25 season. His speed, dribbling ability, and vision make him a defender’s worst nightmare as no one can certainly mark him.

Real will depend on him for much during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane has finally found silverware in Germany. He led his German side to another Bundesliga championship after his second season with Bayern Munich, scoring 26 goals in the German top flight.

He is also the first to top the Bundesliga scoring charts in his first two seasons. He’s a leader and poacher who’ll be key if Bayern hopes to secure a third Club World Cup title.

5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Haaland called last season “horrific,” even though he scored 31 goals in 44 matches. That tells you all you need to know about his standards.

He needs to get his team back into place after his squad was unable to win its fifth straight Premier League title last season. Look for him to be furious and driven for 2025 as well, since he didn’t get to participate in the 2023 Club World Cup due to injury.

6. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

Ousmane Dembélé has one of the best comeback stories this season with PSG as he’s bounced around his career before finally landing in Paris. The French winger mapped out 21 goals in 29 appearances in Ligue 1 and was awarded Ligue 1 Player of the Season and one of the best contributors to PSG’s Champions League victory.

With a domestic treble in the bag, PSG now eye a fifth trophy—and Dembélé will be crucial to that pursuit.

7. Estêvão (Palmeiras)

Only 18 years old, Endrick Estêvão is the next big thing from Brazil. He had 13 goals and 9 assists in 2024 while Palmeiras secured second place in Serie A.

Chelsea already snapped him up for $75 million, but he’ll finish out the year with Palmeiras—including this tournament. Left-footed and fearless, he’s one of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 wildcards to watch.

8. Salomón Rondón (Pachuca)

He’s not a name known worldwide at the age of 35. But don’t let the age statistics deceive you. He scored 10 goals and 3 assists during the 2024-25 Liga MX Clausura season, helping get Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup Championship; since his midseason transfer in January 2024, he has 36 goals in 67 matches. He’s Pachuca’s emotional anchor—and still a threat in the box.

9. Miguel Borja (River Plate)

Borja brings power and poise to River Plate’s Club World Cup debut. With 11 goals in the 2024 Liga Profesional, he’s their top finisher.

At 32, Borja has over 100 appearances and 60 goals for the Buenos Aires club. He’s proven in big moments—and River will need every ounce of that experience.

10. Jhon Arias (Fluminense)

Flair meets versatility in Jhon Arias. He was vital in Fluminense’s journey to the 2023 Copa Libertadores, and he won the Bronze Ball in last year’s Club World Cup. He scored 14 goals across 51 matches this season.

These ten are more than just players of the FIFA Club World Cup. These ten are representations of the opportunity to play, of the purpose, pride that comes with being a world-class champion. The FIFA Club World Cup of 2025 means more.