As the FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off in June 2025 in the United States, excitement is building for what promises to be an incredible tournament. The revamped format of the competition, with 32 of the world’s top clubs competing, is sure to bring plenty of thrilling football moments. However, what makes this year’s edition particularly exciting is the chance to see some of the game’s brightest young stars showcase their talent on a global stage. These rising stars, who are already making waves in their respective leagues, will have the opportunity to announce themselves to the world.
Here’s a look at some of the young footballers who could light up the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
1. Endrick (Real Madrid)
At just 18 years old, Brazilian sensation Endrick will be one of the most exciting young players to watch in the tournament. Having joined Real Madrid in 2024 from Palmeiras, he has already made an impression with his speed, technical ability, and finishing prowess. Endrick is often compared to Brazilian legends like Ronaldo and Romário, and his potential to be one of the world’s best strikers is clear. This tournament could be a major step in his development, as he looks to shine against top-level competition from around the world.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Though already an established name, Jude Bellingham will still be just 22 years old during the tournament, and he has the potential to be one of its standout performers. Since his move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has continued to improve, adding maturity and leadership to his incredible technical skill set. As a box-to-box midfielder, his ability to control the tempo of a game and make decisive contributions in both attack and defense will be crucial for Madrid’s success.
3. Pedri (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s young maestro, Pedri, will likely be another star of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. By the time the tournament rolls around, the Spanish midfielder will be 22, and his already impressive resume will probably have grown even more. Pedri’s vision, intelligence, and composure on the ball make him one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His ability to dictate play and create chances from midfield will be vital to Barcelona’s campaign.
4. Gavi (Barcelona)
Another Barcelona wonderkid, Gavi, has been one of the brightest talents in European football since breaking into the first team. His aggressive style, relentless energy, and technical quality have drawn comparisons to legends like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. At just 20 years old in 2025, Gavi will be eager to demonstrate that he can compete at the highest level, helping Barcelona make a deep run in the tournament.
5. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz, a versatile attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen, has been one of the most exciting young players in the Bundesliga over the past few seasons. His creative flair, dribbling ability, and eye for goal have made him a key player for his club. At 22, Wirtz will be looking to use the FIFA Club World Cup as an opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s best defenses. His creativity could prove to be the difference-maker for Bayer Leverkusen in tight matches.
6. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as one of Manchester United’s most promising young talents. The Argentine winger, known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and willingness to take on defenders, has the potential to be a game-changer for his team. By June 2025, he will be 21 years old and could have established himself as a regular starter for United. The FIFA Club World Cup could provide him with the perfect platform to solidify his place as one of the game’s top young players.
7. Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund has a long history of developing world-class talents, and Giovanni Reyna is no exception. The American attacking midfielder, who will be 22 during the tournament, has already shown glimpses of his immense talent with his creativity, vision, and technical ability. Representing Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup on home soil could be a huge advantage for Reyna, as he looks to lead his team to glory in front of an American crowd.
8. Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyonnais)
Rayan Cherki, the dynamic French forward, has been steadily making a name for himself in Ligue 1. Cherki’s dribbling ability, flair, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. At 21 years old in 2025, Cherki could be a key player for Lyon in the tournament. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could use the FIFA Club World Cup as a springboard to even greater things.
9. Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
Benjamin Šeško is a rising star in European football, having made a big impression in the Austrian Bundesliga before joining RB Leipzig. The Slovenian striker, standing at 6’4″, is known for his aerial ability, strength, and finishing skills. At 22, he will be looking to make a mark in the FIFA Club World Cup, and his physicality could pose a challenge for some of the world’s best defenders.
10. Ansu Fati (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Once considered Barcelona’s next big thing, Ansu Fati has taken a new direction by moving to Brighton & Hove Albion to regain his form. Fati, who will be 22 during the tournament, still has immense potential. His explosive speed, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring spectacular goals make him a player to watch. Brighton’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup offers Fati a chance to remind the world of his talent and reignite his career.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, not just because of the high level of competition but also due to the sheer number of young talents ready to make their mark. These players represent the future of football, and the tournament will provide them with an unparalleled platform to showcase their abilities. Whether they are already established stars like Bellingham or rising prospects like Endrick and Cherki, these youngsters have the potential to steal the spotlight in the United States. The tournament will undoubtedly shape the next generation of football stars, and fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see which players rise to the occasion.
