Club World Cup 2025: Arda Guler to Bradley Barcola - Top 10 Youngsters to Watch in CWC

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is ready to unveil its new avatar starting on June 14 and is expected to unleash a new era of global competition among the finest clubs around the world.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with the new expanded format featuring 32 teams from six confederations, running from June to July, will include a group stage with eight groups of four teams, which will give ample opportunity to the young talents of the teams to come into the spotlight.

FIFA CWC 2025: Top Ten Young Players to Watch in the Upcoming Club World Cup

1. Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)

At just 20, English winger Jamie Gittens has become a standout for Borussia Dortmund. After joining Manchester City in 2020, Gittens has dazzled with his close control and ability to escape tight spaces. In the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, he featured in 32 matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists, including a brace in a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. In the Champions League, he netted twice in a 3-0 victory against Club Brugge, earning man-of-the-match honours. With England Gittens already won the U-19 EURO in 2022, and he is now a prime candidate for a place in the senior team.

2. Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)

Nico O’Reilly, the 20-year-old versatile midfielder, has come to the limelight at Manchester City despite their inconsistent 2024-25 campaign. He debuted for the City senior team in the Community Shield 2024 against Manchester United. O’Reilly scored his first goal in the FA Cup against Salford. He made 19 appearances for City so far and scored 5 goals in all competitions. His composure and work rate have earned Pep Guardiola’s trust, setting him up for a potential breakout in the Club World Cup.

3. Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)

At only 17, Franco Mastantuono is Argentina’s next big thing at River Plate. Since his debut in January 2024, he’s become River’s youngest-ever goalscorer, surpassing Javier Saviola’s record with a goal against Excursionistas. With nearly 60 appearances for the club, this youngster already scored 10 goals for River Plate. His play-making ability and also a knack for goals make him a must-watch emerging star in the Club World Cup.

4. Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC)

Obed Vargas, an 18-year-old midfielder, is a key player for the Seattle Sounders with his precise passing and game-reading ability. One of the youngest debutants in MLS history at 15, Vargas overcame a 2022 back injury to become a crucial part of the MLS side. He already has 98 appearances for the Sounders. Now representing Mexico after playing for the USA at the 2023 U-20 World Cup, Vargas is poised to make an impact.

5. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)

Bradley Barcola, a 22-year-old forward, has flourished at PSG since his move from Lyon in 2023. In the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, he scored a career-high 16 goals, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s title win. Barcola’s pace and finishing make him a cornerstone of PSG’s youthful attack, which could finally deliver continental success in the Club World Cup.

6. Marc Guiu (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s 19-year-old Spanish striker Marc Guiu has shown lethal instincts since arriving from Barcelona. In the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League, he scored six goals in eight group-stage games, proving his knack for finding the net. With Chelsea relying heavily on Nicolas Jackson, Guiu’s clinical finishing could make him a breakout star in the Club World Cup.

7. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Kenan Yildiz, a 19-year-old Turkish midfielder, has become a regular at Juventus since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022. He played 47 matches in the 2024-25 season, breaking Alessandro Del Piero’s record as Juventus’ youngest Champions League goalscorer. Yildiz’s versatility and composure, paired with his experience of international football for Turkiye, make him a key player to watch.

8. Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

The 19-year-old, Warren Zaire-Emery is already a three-time Ligue 1 champion and PSG’s youngest-ever debutant (at 16 in 2022). As a dynamic midfielder, he’s played over 100 matches for PSG, contributing 8 goals and 9 assists. With seven caps for France, Zaire-Emery’s blend of tenacity and technique could help PSG to glory in the Club World Cup.

9. Fidel Ambriz (CF Monterrey)

Fidel Ambriz, a 21-year-old Mexican midfielder, joined Monterrey from Club Leon in August 2024. A key figure in Leon’s 2022-23 CONCACAF Champions League triumph, where he won the Best Young Player award. Ambriz excels in breaking up play and delivering precise passes. His long-range shooting and debut in the senior Mexico team highlight his potential to shine in the Club World Cup.

10. Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

Arda Guler, a 20-year-old Turkish attacking midfielder, became a sensation in European football since his joining Real Madrid. Despite fierce competition, he has made 54 appearances, scoring 11 goals since his joining in 2023. His stunning long-range strike for Turkiye at UEFA EURO 2024 against Georgia showcased his star quality, making him a prime candidate to watch in the Club World Cup.