The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States is set to kick off with a staggering $1 billion prize pool. While top teams and elite players are ready to compete, the tournament will miss several global football superstars due to club non-qualification, injury, or personal choices.
Despite the hype, the absence of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Neymar has stirred conversation among fans and media alike. Here are the top 5 biggest football stars missing the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
List of Top 5 Missing Stars at Club World Cup 2025
| Player | Club Not Qualified / Reason | Why They’re Missing | Impact on Club World Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Club didn’t qualify | Lost one of Africa’s biggest stars and top scorer in Premier League history |
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Club didn’t qualify | Rising star, could have faced Messi; absence lowers youth excitement factor |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | Club didn’t qualify | No Messi-Ronaldo reunion; global commercial impact affected |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | Club didn’t qualify | Young English talent misses out on global exposure and trophy chance |
| Neymar | Santos (injured at Al-Hilal) | Injury + non-qualified club | Commercial and legacy loss; still among the biggest global icon |
5. Neymar – Santos
Once again, Neymar will miss out on the global football stage due to injury and Santos’ non-qualification. After struggling with fitness at Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to Brazil aiming to get match-ready ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Still one of the most recognizable players in world football, Neymar’s absence is both a sporting and commercial setback for FIFA. His presence would have boosted ticket sales and global viewership.
4. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Arsenal’s absence from the Club World Cup 2025 means Bukayo Saka, one of England’s brightest talents, won’t feature. After a Champions League semi-final run and years of consistency, Saka deserved a chance at silverware.
His only major club honor remains the FA Cup in 2020, and missing this global platform delays his opportunity to gain broader international acclaim.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will go on without one of its most iconic figures — Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite rumors of a transfer to a qualified team, the Portuguese legend will remain with Al Nassr, which did not qualify.
At 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level, having just helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinted at “discussions” to include him, but Ronaldo himself stated that although teams approached him, it was not feasible.
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
At only 17, Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of football’s most exciting prospects. His explosive dribbling and creativity have earned him comparisons to Lionel Messi. However, due to Barcelona’s failure to qualify, fans won’t get to see Yamal face Messi, who is participating with Inter Miami.
This absence denies the Club World Cup of a rising superstar who is already in Ballon d’Or discussions. Alongside him, stars like Raphinha, Pedri, and Lewandowski are also missing from the global tournament.
1. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Despite a strong domestic campaign, Liverpool failed to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, leaving their top stars out, including Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward set a Premier League record with 29 goal involvements but will not feature in this global event.
Salah, along with teammate Virgil van Dijk, will miss a potential rematch against Paris Saint-Germain, the side that eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League. Salah was recently seen enjoying a break, indicating he may not mind a summer off, but fans will surely feel the void of one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
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Conclusion
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises excitement, elite competition, and major prize money. However, the absence of key football stars such as Salah, Ronaldo, Neymar, Yamal, and Saka may impact both the competitive balance and the tournament’s global appeal.
As FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup format evolves, fans will hope to see these iconic players on the pitch in future editions.
