The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking event, expanding to 32 teams and promising a lucrative $1 billion prize pool. However, the tournament will be missing some of football's biggest stars due to various qualification complexities and team performances. Scheduled to be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, the competition will feature a new format with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. Despite the excitement surrounding the expanded format and the presence of many world-class clubs, several high-profile players will be absent.
One of the most notable absences is Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite rumors and FIFA President Gianni Infantino even suggesting the possibility of Ronaldo joining a qualified team, the Portuguese star has confirmed that he "will not be at the Club World Cup." Although Al-Nassr won the AFC Champions League, the qualification system favored consistent continental performance over the past four years, which Al-Nassr didn't achieve. Ronaldo's absence means that fans will miss out on his global appeal, commercial impact, and potential narrative drama, especially a potential clash with Lionel Messi.
Mohamed Salah is another major star set to miss the tournament. Liverpool, despite finishing as English champions, did not qualify due to the complex qualification process that considers performance over a four-year cycle. This means that Salah, who broke the Premier League record for goal involvements, will not participate. While Salah might appreciate the summer break after a tiring season, his absence deprives fans of seeing one of Africa's biggest football icons and a potential rematch against Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, will also be absent. Despite his sensational form and comparisons to Lionel Messi, Barcelona's failure to qualify means that Yamal will miss the opportunity to showcase his talents on a global stage and potentially face his idol, Messi. Other Barcelona players like Raphinha, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski will also be missed.
Neymar is another prominent name who will not be participating. After struggling with injuries at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he returned to Santos in January 2025 to regain fitness ahead of the next World Cup. Despite his age, Neymar remains a significant draw, and his absence is a commercial blow for the tournament. His presence would have helped boost ticket sales and overall interest, particularly with organizers reportedly struggling to sell tickets.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is another star who will be absent from the Club World Cup 2025. Arsenal will be disappointed to miss out on the prize money too, as they try to overhaul Liverpool and Manchester City, who have dominated the English game in recent seasons. For a player of his quality, who has spent six seasons playing regularly at the top level, Saka could do with expanding his medal collection.
The absence of these stars raises questions about the tournament's appeal and competitiveness. While the Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a grand spectacle with its expanded format and lucrative prize money, the absence of key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, Neymar, and Bukayo Saka will undoubtedly be felt by fans worldwide.
