Some of football’s biggest stars descend upon the United States for the Club World Cup this summer, including a host of huge names you might not have known were competing at the tournament.
There’s a novel feel to FIFA’s latest revamp, with 32 teams from across the globe aiming to establish themselves as world champions. UEFA’s representatives are expected to dominate, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, perennial European champions Real Madrid and a rejuvenated Pep Guardiola-led Manchester City among the favourites to go all the way.
However, there is scope for one of the several global underdogs to upset the projected Euro hegemony this summer, with several of these clubs emboldened by the presence of former superstars.
Here are eight players you might not have known were competing at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here






