The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, is the most awaited football event. Moreover, its jaw-dropping $1 billion big prize makes the tournament an even more thrilling showdown among the fans and the world’s top clubs, too. However, as the official dropped the names of the competitor’s clubs, the fans were somewhat disappointed that they did not see their favorites. Yes, it’s heartbreaking that their stars won’t be part of the game.
You will be shocked to know veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Neymar, as well as rising talents like Lamine Yamal and Bukayo Saka, will not be seen at this biggest event, as reported by Football London.
Here is why these stars will not be able to play in the FIFA Club tournament.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s unfortunate to announce that the GOAT Footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, won’t be playing at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. According to IN Sports, FC Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo is currently signed, didn’t qualify through the Asian competitions, ending the season without any trophies.
Reportedly, clubs like River Plate offered to bring Ronaldo into the tournament. But sadly, Ronaldo chose not to make a move.
Well, for the first time in 20 years of his football career, Ronaldo won’t be part of a major international club event. For fans, it’s quiet but emotional.
Neymar
Neymar will be missing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Without a doubt, his absence will be felt terribly by his fans. Currently signed with Santos, Neymar only recently returned from a muscular injury, making his club comeback just last week.
Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t enough for Brazil’s new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, to include him in the squad.
The injury setback is the main reason behind his omission. Fans worldwide will surely miss him in the field. For now, we hope for a full and speedy recovery.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, one of the Premier League’s brightest footballers, won’t be a part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Here is the saddest part: it’s not due to form or injury. The simple reason is that Liverpool didn’t qualify for the tournament.
Salah had a phenomenal season in 2024–25, breaking records with 29 goals and 18 assists.
Even if fans won’t get to see him light up the international club stage this time, his standout performance proved he’s still at the top of his game. His presence will surely be missed.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old young winger from Barcelona, will also be absent from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Barcelona failed to qualify for the tournament.
Despite his young age, Yamal has had a great season playing for FC Barcelona. He is already being talked about as a strong contender for Ballon d’Or. He will be missed by his fans, who were eager to see the rising star shine on a global stage.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s right winger Bukayo Saka won’t be part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the club didn’t qualify for the tournament. Under coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have made significant progress, even knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League, but have still fallen short of securing major silverware.
Saka, 23, winger has one major club trophy, the 2020 FA Cup, under his belt so far.
As of June 2025, he has played 195 games and scored 53 goals for Arsenal. At the international level, he earned 43 caps with 12 goals.
Watching Club World Cup Without Ronaldo: Amit Mishra’s Take
As a Cristiano Ronaldo big fan, it’s honestly painful to see him missing out on the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. For someone who has performed fantastically for nearly two decades, not seeing him on a global stage feels like the end of an era.
Other big names like Neymar, Salah, Lamine Yamal, and Bukayo Saka are also the charm of the football world. So it’s obvious that their absence leaves a big gap. We all agree that football deserves to see its best players competing on the biggest stages.
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