The inaugural edition of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in the United States promises a record-breaking $1 billion in prize money, but it will be without several of the sport’s most iconic names. Despite the tournament’s ambitious scale, some top global stars will be noticeably absent due to various reasons, from club qualification issues to injuries and personal choices.
Here are five high-profile players who will not feature at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Despite Liverpool finishing the season as English champions, they failed to qualify for the Club World Cup due to the tournament’s complex and restrictive qualification system. This exclusion also applies to other European giants like Barcelona and Napoli.
As a result, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who had a remarkable campaign with 29 goals and 18 assists—setting a new Premier League record for goal involvements—will not participate.
Though Salah may welcome a summer break after a demanding season, his absence, along with teammates like captain Virgil van Dijk, will deprive fans of a potential rematch with Paris Saint-Germain, who eliminated Liverpool from the UEFA Champions League.
Also missing is Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz, as his team Bayer Leverkusen did not secure qualification either.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm with his dazzling dribbling, creativity, and flair. At just 17, the Spanish winger is already being tipped as a future Ballon d’Or contender and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi.
However, Barcelona’s absence from the tournament rules him out of what could have been a first-time showdown with Messi, now playing for Inter Miami. Fans will also miss other key Barcelona figures such as Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
The much-anticipated reunion of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will not happen in the United States this summer.
Despite reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had been exploring ways to facilitate Ronaldo’s participation—possibly through a loan to a qualified club—the 40-year-old Portuguese star confirmed he will remain with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
“Some teams reached out to me. Some offers made sense, some didn’t. You can’t chase every opportunity,” Ronaldo stated after Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory last weekend.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of football’s all-time greats, will be a notable absence from a tournament looking to showcase global stars.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka also misses out after the Gunners narrowly fell short in their bid for major silverware this season. Although they reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and eliminated Real Madrid, Arsenal did not qualify for the Club World Cup.
The tournament would have presented a valuable opportunity for Saka, who has only one major domestic title—the FA Cup in 2020—to his name. The 23-year-old England international continues to impress with his consistency and skill, but the wait for another trophy goes on.
Arsenal’s absence also denies them a shot at a share of the lucrative prize fund, as they continue to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Neymar (Santos)
Brazilian star Neymar, who returned to Santos in January 2025 after an injury-plagued stint at Al-Hilal, is another big name missing from the tournament. Although now 33, Neymar remains a major global draw and his absence will be felt both on and off the pitch.
“Neymar, what can I say? He’s an outstanding player. For me, in my generation, he’s in the top three with Cristiano and Messi,” said Brazil midfielder Casemiro.
Neymar’s participation would have been a commercial boost for FIFA, especially amid reports of sluggish ticket sales. However, his focus now appears to be on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
While the expanded Club World Cup offers unprecedented financial rewards and a platform to globalize club football, the absence of several elite players—whether due to club non-qualification, injury, or strategic choices—highlights the challenges in balancing commercial ambition with competitive and sporting representation.
