FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Ronaldo, Neymar & Others to Miss the Football Event
From Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo – five of the biggest football stars are set to miss the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, slated to begin from June 14.
FIFA’s inaugural edition of the Club World Cup in the United States has one billion dollars’ worth of prize money on stake but the event will see some of the game’s biggest names missing the action. The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is round the corner, with a high-profile kick-off expected in the United States, as FIFA plans to expand and go global not only with countries competing, but biggest football clubs also vying for the cash prize. With 32 teams racing for the top prize, the month-long tournament will see some of the best footballing talents showcase their top-notch skills at the zenith. However, there are a few big names who will not be lighting up stadiums across the United States once it gets underway this weekend.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the grandest editions in football history, with its novice format and a glittering lineup of elite clubs from across the globe. With stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Jr. expected to take center stage, the anticipation and excitement is at an all-time high. However, while fans gear up to witness this memorable spectacle, the absence of some major footballing icons will probably cast a noticeable shadow over the tournament.
Several globally renowned players who have lit up domestic and international competitions in recent years would not be a part of this prestigious event. Whether due to club non-qualification, personal injury or voluntary decisions, these absences not only disappoint fans but also keep the tournament away from certain high-voltage matchups and storylines. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Mohamed Salah, the players missing out represent a generational breed of superstars who cast a massive influence on world football, even as they keep their presence away from the first-of-its-kind premier marquee occasion.
Let’s take a look at the five top names who will not be seen live at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Despite finishing as the champions of England, Liverpool’s star striker and centre forward player Mohamed Salah will not be in action at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 because of the English club’s absence at the global event. At the English Premier League 2024-25 season, Salah broke the tournament record with 29 goals and 18 assists. Liverpool finished as the ultimate English champions, but like other popular teams, will not be at the Club World Cup, because of the extremely complicated qualification process.
After an intense and tiring season, the African footballer gets the summer off to unwind and make the most of this unwanted break.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Fans around the world will be miss out on the penultimate and classic Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi face-off at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 this year after the former’s team Al Nassr failed to qualify for the global event. The 40-year-old Portuguese striker and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo recently lifted the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier suggested that Ronaldo might move from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to a team who had reached the event, with no official confirmation received on it.
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Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Champions League semi-finalist, Arsenal is another team to miss out their participation in the prestigious event. Even after finishing the season trophyless, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 would have been the befitting opportunity to clinch some silverware. England international Bukayo Saka’s only club trophy, excluding the FA Community Shield, was the FA Cup win with Arsenal in 2020. Mikel Arteta managed side showed this season they have improved to the point where they are in contention for major honours, including knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League, but came up just short.
For a player of his stature, who has spent six seasons playing regularly at the top level, Bukayo Saka could definitely do with expanding his award tally.
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Neymar Jr. (Santos)
The Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. struggled with an injury at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and returned to Santos in January 2025, hoping to get fit and going, ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old forward, despite fading with age, is still one of the biggest names in the game and his absence is also a blow in a commercial sense.
He’s an outstanding player, and with organizers managing their best to garner maximum spectator viewership, Neymar’s presence would have been a real boon.
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Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
One of the most happening sensations in world football currently, Lamile Yamal will not be seen at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 due to Barcelona’s absence in the tournament just like Liverpool. The 17-year-old winger has been in exceptional form for his club this season and is one of the candidates to win the revered Ballon d’Or award. Yamal’s thrilling dribbling and penchant for the game make him one of the biggest attractions in world football. He is often compared to former Barcelona great Lionel Messi, but because of Barcelona’s absence, he will miss out on his only chance to face the Argentina star, who will be represent his current club, Inter Miami.
Road Ahead
As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 unfolds in the United States, it will undoubtedly offer some sizzling action for die-hard football fans and promise abundant thrilling moments, with emerging talents and established champions battling it out to claim the maiden title. Yet, the absence of popular figures like Mo-Salah, Ronaldo and Neymar will be deeply felt – not just for their technical excellence but for their ability to bring millions of fans together. Their inherent flair, charisma and prowess have defined footballing eras, and their non-participation is a reminder that the beautiful game is as much about who’s missing as it is about who’s present on ground.
While some of the world’s biggest names will be watching from afar, the Club World Cup 2025 may be the steppingstone for football’s emerging icons. In this cycle of global football, today’s absentees have the opportunity to become tomorrow’s legends in new capacities – as mentors, motivators or surprise returns in the future tournaments. No matter what the situation, the sheer magic of football as a sport will continue, even as we await the return of its biggest ambassadors and legends.
FAQs on FIFA Club World Cup 2025
1)Where will FIFA Club World Cup 2025 take place?
The first edition of FIFA World Cup 2025 will take place from June 14 until July 13 onwards in the United States.
2) How many teams are in the FIFA World Cup 2025?
A total of 32 teams will participate in the event, which will be divided into eight groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group will qualify to the knockout stage. 32 clubs from AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA will feature.
3) Why is Barcelona not playing the FIFA Club World Cup?
Barcelona FC misses out from the FIFA Club World Cup due to the qualification rules, which limit each country to just two clubs based on UEFA rankings.
