The 2025 Club World Cup in the United States is set to showcase some of the most talented footballers globally, with powerhouse clubs like Manchester City, PSG, and Real Madrid represented. However, it’s equally notable that several star players from other prestigious teams will be absent from this much-anticipated tournament. Only 12 clubs qualified from Europe, leading to some surprising omissions, including household names like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Liverpool.
Here’s a look at nine significant players who won’t be gracing the Club World Cup this summer, alongside their stories.
Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s hard to imagine a global football event without Cristiano Ronaldo, but this year’s Club World Cup won’t feature the legendary forward. FIFA President Gianni Infantino likely felt the loss keenly, as Ronaldo has traditionally been a marquee player for international competitions. His move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia didn’t yield the silverware that would have made his participation a marketing dream. As Lionel Messi prepares to play with Inter Miami, Ronaldo will be enjoying a well-earned break. At 40, taking time off from the relentless schedule—especially in the intense Saudi heat—may not be a bad thing after all.
Lamine Yamal
For Hansi Flick and Barcelona, a break is a blessing. Yamal, the incredibly talented 17-year-old, has already amassed 62 appearances and over 4,000 minutes on the pitch this season. The wear and tear on such a young player could spell disaster, especially given the injury struggles faced by his peers like Ansu Fati and Pedri. A few weeks off could not only enhance his recovery but also preserve his brilliant potential for years to come.
Neymar
If Neymar had opted to stay with Al Hilal, he would have undoubtedly graced the Club World Cup stage this summer. Instead, he returned to his roots at Santos, where he aims to move past a string of injuries and recover his best form. While this journey of recovery will draw less spotlight than the international stage, it may be just what he needs for a comeback ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool has been a formidable force in European football over the past few seasons, yet the team won’t be represented at the Club World Cup due to the restriction of two clubs per association. As the highest-ranked side missing out, Salah’s absence is particularly glaring. After an outstanding season in which he scored 29 goals in the Premier League, Salah can now enjoy some well-deserved time off, recharging for the challenges ahead.
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz, who has been the talk of the town with rumors of a British record transfer to Liverpool, finds himself out of the Club World Cup even if he had stayed with Bayer Leverkusen. Despite winning the Bundesliga last season, his team’s lack of European success means that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will represent Germany instead. This downtime will allow Wirtz to recuperate and prepare for his anticipated move to the Premier League.
Raphinha
After a standout year at Barcelona, where he notched 34 goals and 25 assists, Brazilian international Raphinha emerged as a top candidate for the Ballon d’Or, making his absence from the Club World Cup a notable loss. His blossoming talent and performance have raised expectations, and while watching from the sidelines might sting, he’ll have the chance to focus on continuing his ascent in the coming season.
Virgil van Dijk
Once viewed as a shadow of his former self following an ACL injury, van Dijk has returned to his best form under Liverpool’s management and has been a rock in their defense. His strong performances during the 2024-25 season showcased a resurgence that fans hoped to see. With the Dutch national team game over, he can now take a breather and prepare for Liverpool’s title defense in the upcoming season.
Alexander Isak
Isak has taken the Premier League by storm, scoring 23 goals last season and establishing himself as one of the top strikers after Erling Haaland. With growing interest from major clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, Isak’s absence from the tournament means he has time to recharge for what could be a pivotal season for Newcastle in the Champions League.
Pedri
Pedri has become one of the best young midfielders in the world. After a stellar 2024-25 season, he will undoubtedly be a key player for Barcelona moving forward. His absence from the Club World Cup offers him some much-needed rest—a chance to recover and prepare for the challenges ahead, solidifying his place among the game’s elite.
In a tournament that spotlights the best of the best, the absence of these players creates a bittersweet narrative. While many will miss the chance to shine on such a prestigious stage, it’s an opportunity for them to regroup and emerge even stronger in their domestic leagues and beyond. Sometimes, a break can be just as essential as a matchday; these athletes will be ready to bring their A-game when the time comes.
Image Source: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock
