Ten players you didn't realise could appear at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup

This summer, all eyes will be on the United States as 32 of the best teams from around the world compete in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. 

The new format, akin to a major international tournament, will feature some of the biggest names in the game, as they all look to be the first to lift the brand-new trophy. 

The competition will also reunite fans with some familiar faces who you may not have realised will also compete in the festivities. 

DAZN News counts down ten names who could appear in the States this June... 

 

Sergio Ramos - Monterrery 

The Spanish legend, who won everything during his time at Real Madrid both domestically and internationally, will lead Mexican side Monterrey at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup after signing for the club in February. 

Upon signing, Ramos was given the captain's armband and chose to wear the number 93 shirt instead of his more traditional four as an honour to his 93rd-minute equaliser in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.

Already a four-time winner of the tournament among his many accolades, he'll be hoping to mix it up with his old Madrid pals in the knockout rounds. 

 

Saloman Rondon - Pachuca 

In a decade's time, fans will be reminiscing about players like Rondon in the same vein as the 'Barclay's men' ten years previously, with the Venzeulen definitely giving off the same kind of vibes. 

The striker made his name in Russia before moving to Premier League West Bromwich Albion in 2015 and going on to score 28 goals in 120 appearances for the Baggies. Further spells in England followed with Newcastle and Everton before moving across the Atlantic. 

After a spell at River Plate, the 35-year-old will turn out for Mexican side Pachuca this summer. 

 

Alex Telles - Botafago 

A Brazilian international who will go down as one of the plethora of names that have passed through Manchester United's ranks all too quickly in the last decade. 

Telles spent time in Turkey and Italy before moving to Old Trafford in 2020 and would spend two seasons in Manchester, making 50 appearances before eventually leaving for Saudi side Al-Nassr. 

He has since returned to his homeland, and the 32-year-old will be a key member of the Botafago side in the States. 

 

Danilo - Flamengo 

A league winner in Spain, Italy and England, Danilo returned to Brazil at the start of the year and signed for Flamengo, who he'll represent at this summer's tournament. 

The Brazilian defender won La Liga and two Champions League medals before moving to Manchester City in 2017, where he'd lift the Premier League on two occasions with the club. 

The 33-year-old completed his hat-trick of titles by winning Serie A with Juventus before returning to his homeland in 2025. 

 

Manuel Lanzini  - River Plate 

File this forward in the West Ham 'streets never forget' category after the Argentine enjoyed a successful stint in East London with the Hammers. 

After initially signing on loan, Lanzini made over 200 appearances for the London club and was part of the team that won the 2023 Europa Conference League. 

He departed in 2023 following the end of his contract, moving back to his first club, River Plate and will be part of their squad this summer. 

Thiago Silva - Fluminense 

When Thiago Silva moved to Chelsea in 2020, it was seen as a final fling for the Brazilan legend, but there seems to be no stopping the 40-year-old.

After dominating Serie A with AC Milan and then etching his name into PSG folklore, he became the centrepiece of Chelsea's defence for four seasons - rarely ever having an off day. 

Silva is now back in his homeland with Fluminense and endearing himself to yet another set of fans. 

 

Ruben Neves - Al Hilal 

Al Hilal will field plenty of familiar names when they take to the field at the FIFA Club World Cup, including this Portuguese, who became an all-time club great during his time in Wolverhampton. 

The midfielder was Wolves' crown jewel in the side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and went on to skipper the club in the top flight. 

However, Al Hilal's £47 million bid was too good to turn down for the Midlands side, and since joining the Saudi side, he's won a league title and the King's Cup. 

 

Bobby Clark - Red Bull Salzburg 

A name that is probably most familiar to those on Merseyside, but there were high expectations of Clark at Liverpool and his progression as the next youth graduate to make the first-team leap. 

He made his first-team breakthrough last season, making 14 appearances for the Reds, but at the end of the season, he took a gamble for instant first-team football by signing for Red Bull Salzburg - following Jurgen Klopp's former assistant Pepijn Lijnders to the Austrians. 

This year his been a regular for the club, despite Lijnders sacking and will be out to remind fans of his talent this summer. 

 

Sergio Canales - Monterrey 

A La Liga regular ever since his breaking his way into the Racing Santander team in 2008, Caneles went on to play for Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Sociedad and Real Betis over the next decade or so. 

The attacking midfielder also won 11 caps for his country before moving on from Spain to sign for Mexcixan outfit Monterrey in 2023, where he's already notched 29 goals in 75 appeareances. 

 

Felipe Anderson - Palmieras 

Another West Ham baller who, for a minute, was another darling of the London Stadium after his arrival from Lazio in 2018 for a club-record fee. 

The Brazilian lit up East London in his first season at the club, scoring ten goals and looking destined to become a big Hammers favourite. 

However, injury ruined his time at the club, and so much so it saw him return to Lazio before moving back home to join Palmieras last summer. 

 

Watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Sign up now for a free DAZN account to watch the Club World Cup, starting on Saturday, June 14.

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