Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos & the top 10 former stars of European football to watch at the 2025 Club World Cup

 

Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos & the top 10 former stars of European football to watch at the 2025 Club World Cup The revamped Club World Cup kicks off in the United States on June 14, 2025, transitioning from a seven-team annual event to a 32-team tournament held every four years. Featuring eight groups of four teams from six confederations, the top two per group advance to a knockout stage, culminating in a final. The winners will claim a massive $125 million (£92m) prize, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino touting it as the “pinnacle of elite professional men’s club football.” Hosted for the first time in its new format, the tournament promises a spectacle, showcasing giants like Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Inter, and Juventus. TRENDINGBLOG247 has ranked the top 10 former European football stars to watch, highlighting the wealth of talent on display:

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) Inter Miami makes its global debut at the Club World Cup, led by the incomparable Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, turning 38 during the tournament, remains a transcendent force, making the game look effortless. In 2025, Messi has notched 15 goal involvements in just 13 MLS appearances, including a masterclass in a 5-1 rout of Columbus Crew. “He is the best player to ever play this sport,” said Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano, a former teammate at Barcelona and Argentina. Despite Miami’s collective flaws, Messi’s presence gives them a shot in any match. His graceful dribbling, pinpoint passing, and ability to score from long-range free-kicks remain unmatched. At the Club World Cup, he’s poised to prove he can still dominate on the world’s biggest stage.

Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)

Luis Suarez, the former Barcelona and Liverpool striker, reunites with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, reigniting their telepathic connection from their Camp Nou days. Despite battling osteoarthritis in his right knee, which limits his mobility, the 38-year-old’s predatory instincts remain razor-sharp, evidenced by 33 goals in 58 games for Miami. Suarez’s role has evolved—less about being the primary goal-scorer and more about playmaking and pulling defenders out of position. With his minutes likely managed if Inter Miami progresses to the knockouts, Suarez’s knack for seizing a single moment remains lethal. Alongside fellow Barcelona icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, he bolsters Miami’s veteran core, ready to make a decisive impact at the Club World Cup.

Thiago Silva (Fluminense)

Thiago Silva, nearing 41, has been a linchpin for Fluminense, guiding his boyhood club from relegation danger to contending at the top of Brazilian Serie A. His elite anticipation, honed at AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, remains undiminished, and his composed passing fuels attacks. As noted in the sports card above, Silva’s 15 seasons in Europe yielded 23 goals, 8 assists, and 168 clean sheets in 410 appearances. Speaking to DAZN, Silva emphasized the Club World Cup’s significance: “It never crossed my mind I would have the opportunity to play in one of the most important competitions in the club’s history... What I want the most is to win a title with this shirt.” Drawn against Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan, Fluminense benefits from a manageable group. Silva’s defensive solidity and vast experience make him a cornerstone for a potential deep run.

Sergio Ramos (Monterrey)

Sergio Ramos, a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s golden era, amassed 22 trophies over 16 seasons, including four Club World Cups. Now with Monterrey since February 2025, the 39-year-old Spanish legend aims to add another. Despite Monterrey’s mid-table Liga MX standing, Ramos’s ferocious competitiveness, paired with teammates like ex-Sevilla and Marseille forward Lucas Ocampos, could spark upsets. The sports card above details his 21 seasons at Real Madrid, Sevilla, and PSG, with 81 goals, 7 assists, and 181 clean sheets in 581 appearances. Ramos remains a dual threat, netting three goals in eight Liga MX games and excelling in set-pieces. Facing Inter, River Plate, and Urawa Reds in the group stage, his leadership and scoring prowess make Monterrey a potential dark horse.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal) Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, after a standout 2022–23 season at Lazio, drew interest from AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. The sports card above notes his eight seasons at Lazio, with 57 goals and 44 assists in 267 appearances. Surprisingly, he joined Al-Hilal in 2023, lured by an €80m salary package. At 28, his form remains elite, driving Al-Hilal’s unbeaten 2023–24 Saudi Pro League title with 21 goal contributions, excelling in ball-winning, and partnering effectively with ex-Wolves star Ruben Neves. In the Club World Cup, Milinkovic-Savic could make Al-Hilal dark horses, especially against Real Madrid in their opener. His relentless work rate, late box runs, and precise long-range strikes make him a game-changer, ready to seize control when inspiration is needed.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al-Hilal) Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a prolific force for Al-Hilal since joining from Fulham in 2023, scoring 68 goals in 79 games. His partnership with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who provided many of his 16 assists over the past two seasons, has been pivotal. Despite a two-month hamstring injury, Mitrovic nearly rivaled Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2023–24 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, netting seven goals in Al-Hilal’s final 10 league matches. The sports card above highlights his 12 seasons at Anderlecht, Newcastle, Fulham, and Al-Hilal, with 166 goals and 45 assists in 349 appearances. Labeled “merciless” by ex-Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus, the 30-year-old’s lethal finishing and physicality make him a nightmare for defenders, with Manchester United reportedly eyeing him. In the Club World Cup, Mitrovic’s nose for goal could exploit Real Madrid’s shaky defense and overpower Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca, making Al-Hilal a serious threat.

Edinson Cavani (Boca Juniors) At 38, Edinson Cavani was a standout for Boca Juniors in a lackluster 2024, scoring 16 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. Though less prolific in 2025, the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star retains his fierce competitive drive, making him Boca’s linchpin for the Club World Cup. The sports card above details his 17 seasons at Palermo, Napoli, PSG, Manchester United, Valencia, and Boca Juniors, with 248 goals and 65 assists in 496 appearances. Facing Benfica and Bayern Munich in Group C is daunting, but coach Miguel Angel Russo’s disciplined, counter-attacking setup suits Cavani’s clinical finishing, even if his athleticism has waned. “We’ll give it our absolute all to go as far as we possibly can,” Cavani told FIFA ahead of Boca’s opener against Benfica. His relentless spirit, earning him the ‘El Matador’ moniker, makes him a dangerous wildcard in the U.S. tournament.

Jorginho (Flamengo)

Jorginho’s stint at Arsenal after joining from Chelsea in February 2023 was limited, with only 16 starts in 2024–25 due to Declan Rice’s arrival and Thomas Partey’s preference in midfield. The sports card above shows his 2024–25 season stats: 5 matches, 257 minutes, 1 goal, and 1 assist. At 33, his lack of pace didn’t suit Mikel Arteta’s high-tempo system, leading Arsenal to forego a contract extension. Now at Flamengo, the Brazilian-born Italy international is valued for his game-controlling prowess, not athleticism. A masterful passer and astute playmaker, Jorginho, a 2021 Club World Cup winner with Chelsea, will anchor Flamengo’s midfield. He’ll savor facing his former club in Flamengo’s second group-stage match, bringing his trademark composure to the global stage.

Olivier Giroud (LAFC)

LAFC secured a Club World Cup spot after Leon’s disqualification due to multi-club ownership issues, defeating Club America 2-1 in extra time in a thrilling playoff. Olivier Giroud, coming off the bench, assisted Denis Bouanga’s decisive goal, setting up a group-stage clash with his former club Chelsea. The sports card above details his 2024–25 season with LAFC: 32 matches, 4 goals, and 2 assists. The 38-year-old Frenchman, who hasn’t started LAFC’s last five MLS games, has scored only four goals in 32 appearances since joining in 2024, signaling his peak years are past. Lacking the stamina for full matches, Giroud is no longer a key figure like teammate Hugo Lloris. Yet, his cameo against Club America proved his value as a crafty, physical target man, capable of elevating teammates and shifting momentum when LAFC needs a spark.

Salomon Rondon (Pachuca) Salomon Rondon, a familiar name to Newcastle and West Brom fans, is thriving at Pachuca in Mexico. Venezuela’s all-time leading scorer joined as a free agent in December 2023, making an immediate impact by scoring nine goals to clinch the CONCACAF Champions Cup, including two in the final against Columbus Crew. The sports card above notes his 2024–25 season: 16 goals across all competitions. Joint-top scorer in the Liga MX Clausura, Rondon’s 16 goals in 2024–25 earned him a surprise FIFA Best Men’s XI nomination. In Group H’s tough Club World Cup draw, Pachuca are underdogs, but Rondon’s aerial dominance and clinical finishing with both feet make him a wildcard. Rebounding from a lackluster 2021–22 Everton spell, he’s recaptured his Premier League form while mentoring Pachuca’s youth. President Armando Martínez praised his professionalism: “He trains like he’s 25... he’s the first to arrive and the last to leave.” Rondon’s leadership and scoring prowess could trouble any defense.

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