The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States is set to be the largest and most lucrative edition of the tournament ever, with $1 billion in prize money at stake. But despite the hype, several of the game’s biggest stars will not be taking part. Here’s a look at five headline-making players who won’t feature in the expanded 32-team event.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Fans hoping to see a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the U.S. will be disappointed. Although there were discussions about Ronaldo joining a Club World Cup-qualified team, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon confirmed he will remain with Al Nassr, a club that didn’t qualify.
“Some teams reached out to me… but you can’t catch every ball,” Ronaldo stated after Portugal’s Nations League win.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a marketing giant and his absence is a loss for both fans and ticket sales.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah had another record-breaking season in the Premier League with 29 goals and 18 assists. However, Liverpool missed out on Club World Cup qualification due to FIFA’s complex entry criteria.
Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and other Liverpool stars like Florian Wirtz (transfer target from Bayer Leverkusen) will all sit this one out. Salah seems content with the break, recently sharing beachside vacation photos on Instagram.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is perhaps the most electrifying young footballer in the world today. Dubbed the “new Messi,” Yamal’s absence is a major loss to the tournament’s star appeal.
Barcelona failed to qualify, leaving Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski sidelined. Fans also missed what might have been Yamal’s first face-off against his idol, Messi.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has consistently been one of the Premier League’s top performers. After a trophyless season, the Club World Cup would have been a golden opportunity for the English winger to add to his limited silverware collection (only the 2020 FA Cup).
Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final appearance wasn’t enough for qualification, and with English dominance fading at this tournament, Saka’s absence feels particularly glaring.
5. Neymar Jr (Santos)
Back at his boyhood club Santos, Neymar Jr is working on a comeback after injury setbacks with Al-Hilal. At 33, Neymar is still one of the most marketable names in football and was expected to boost attendance in the US-hosted tournament.
“For me, Neymar is still top three with Ronaldo and Messi,” said Brazil midfielder Casemiro. Sadly, neither Santos nor Neymar were eligible for FIFA Club World Cup 2025’s club showdown.
What Does This Mean for the Club World Cup?
While the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is a bold expansion aimed at globalizing club competition, the absence of megastars like Ronaldo, Salah, and Neymar may temper excitement among casual fans.
Still, with Lionel Messi set to lead Inter Miami, and other global clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Palmeiras present, the tournament is expected to deliver high-quality football. However, it’s clear that qualification mechanics and star power don’t always align FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
