Five of world football's biggest stars who are not at the FIFA Club World Cup

 

Five of world football's biggest stars who are not at the FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA's first expanded Club World Cup in the U.S., with $1 billion in prize money, kicks off this weekend but will lack some of soccer’s biggest stars. 

TRENDINGBLOG247 lists five players who won’t be shining in U.S. stadiums.

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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Despite Liverpool’s English Premier League title, they, like Barcelona and Napoli, miss the Club World Cup due to its complex qualification. Egyptian star Salah, who set a Premier League record with 29 goals and 18 assists, won’t play. After a grueling season where he faded late, Salah may welcome the break, as seen in his beachside Instagram post.

It’s a pity African icon Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and others miss a potential Champions League rematch with Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz also sits out, as Bayer Leverkusen didn’t qualify.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, arguably the most exciting player in world football this season, won’t grace the Club World Cup due to Barcelona’s absence. The Spanish winger’s dazzling form, thrilling dribbles, and flair make him a Ballon d’Or contender and a global draw, often likened to Lionel Messi.

Sadly, he misses a rare chance to face the Argentine legend, who’ll play with Inter Miami. Barcelona’s Raphinha, midfield star Pedri, and veteran Robert Lewandowski will also be absent.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Lionel Messi won’t face his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the Club World Cup. The 40-year-old Portuguese star, reportedly eager to join a qualifying team, was linked to a move from Al Nassr by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, fresh off a Nations League triumph with Portugal, confirmed he’s staying put after considering offers. “You can’t catch every ball,” Ronaldo said, opting to miss the U.S. tournament.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Arsenal, Champions League semi-finalists, miss the Club World Cup, denying them a shot at silverware after a trophyless season. England star Bukayo Saka, whose only major club honor is the 2020 FA Cup (excluding the Community Shield), could have boosted his medal tally. Despite Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta, including a Champions League win over Real Madrid, they fell short of major honors. Missing the tournament’s prize money also hurts their bid to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City.

Neymar (Santos)

Brazilian icon Neymar, now 33, returned to Santos from Al-Hilal in January 2025 to regain form for the 2026 World Cup after injury struggles. His absence from the Club World Cup is a commercial blow, given his star power. Brazil’s Casemiro ranks him among the top three players of his era, alongside Messi and Ronaldo. With ticket sales lagging, Neymar’s presence could have been a major draw for organizers.