Concacaf Champions Cup 2025: Finalized Rosters and Top Players to Watch | OneFootball

The first round of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup is nearly complete, with 15 of the 16 teams for the next stage confirmed.

From Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, the Seattle Sounders, and FC Cincinnati advanced past the first round, while LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew had already secured spots in the round of 16 by winning last season's MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, respectively.

Joining them are top clubs from across North America, including teams from Liga MX, Liga FPD, and the Jamaica Premier League.

The only unresolved matchup is Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Deportivo Saprissa, with the Canadian side trailing 2-1 after the first leg.

Ahead of the round of 16 fixtures, set to take place between March 4 and March 13, we've highlighted the key players to watch from each of the remaining teams.

A comprehensive list of every team's full roster can be found here.

MLS Teams & Key Players

Columbus Crew

Diego Rossi. / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Having lost both Cucho Hernández and Christian Ramirez in the summer, Diego Rossi now shoulders most of the attacking responsibility for Columbus Crew. Meanwhile, full-back Steven Moreira—the 2024 MLS Defender of the Year—will play a crucial role in defense.

FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey. / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

FC Cincinnati made two major signings in the offseason, bringing in midfielder Evander from the Portland Timbers and striker Kevin Denkey from Belgian side Cercle Brugge. Both are expected to be key players this season.

Denkey, who joined for a club-record $16.2 million, has hit the ground running with three goals in his first three games.

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi will, of course, be the main player to watch for Inter Miami in the Champions Cup. The Argentine has already made a strong start to the competition, scoring twice in Miami's 4-1 aggregate win over Sporting Kansas City in the first round.

Federico Redondo, son of Real Madrid legend Fernando Redondo, will also be a key player for the Herons in midfield.

Los Angeles FC

Denis Bouanga. / Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

LAFC signed Turkey international Cengiz Ünder as its third Designated Player last week. Though he has yet to make his debut, the 27-year-old winger—who boasts 66 goals and 46 assists in 343 professional matches—is expected to be a key star for Steve Cherundolo's side moving forward.

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus controls the ball against San Diego FC midfielder Luca de la Torre. / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

With star man Riqui Puig still sidelined due to injury, the pressure will be on Marco Reus—now playing as an attacking midfielder rather than a forward—to step up and provide goals and assists in the Spaniard's absence.

Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec, who recorded 21 goals and 18 assists last season as the Galaxy won the MLS Cup, should help ease the burden.

Seattle Sounders

Pedro de la Vega. / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

After a challenging first season in Seattle, Pedro de la Vega, the Sounders' $7.5 million record signing, has made an impressive start to this season in the Champions Cup. He scored twice in Seattle's 6-2 aggregate win over Antigua GFC in round one.

Liga MX Teams & Key Players

Club América won the Liga MX Apertura in December. / Agencia-MexSport/IMAGO

Club América

Club América has dominated Liga MX, winning three consecutive titles—the 2023/24 Apertura and Clausura, followed by the 2024/25 Apertura—making it a formidable contender in the Champions Cup.

The team is spearheaded by the legendary Henry Martín, who has already tallied 10 goals and nine assists this season.

Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul forward Rodolfo Rotondi celebrates a goal with midfielder Ignacio Rivero and forward Giorgos Giakoumakis. / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Luka Romero was once dubbed the "new Messi" during his rise to stardom as a teenager with Spanish side RCD Mallorca. After unsuccessful spells at Lazio and AC Milan, he joined Cruz Azul in January 2025 and has made an impressive start to life back in his home country.

C.D. Guadalajara

Javier Hernandez. / Agencia-MexSport/IMAGO

C.D. Guadalajara is led by two veteran strikers, each bringing their own unique style and experience. Javier Hernández, with years of Premier League experience, is a clinical finisher in the box, while Alan Pulido, back for his second stint at the club, excels at holding up play and linking attacks from deeper positions.

Monterrey

Monterrey's Sergio Ramos. / Agencia-MexSport/IMAGO

Monterrey is arguably the most star-studded team in Liga MX, featuring several former European standouts, including Sergio Canales, Jesús Corona, Óliver Torres, and Lucas Ocampos. Their newest and biggest addition is Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, who joined the club in February.

Tigres UANL

Tigres UANL's Diego Lainez in action against New York City FC. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tigres UANL are headed by club legend and former France international André-Pierre Gignac, who has scored 219 goals in 406 games for the club since 2015, including 23 in all competitions last season.

Pumas UNAM

Ignacio Pussetto. / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Pumas UNAM has faced a tough start to the second half of the 2024/25 Liga MX season, winning just three of their nine games in the Clausura so far. However, winger Ignacio Pussetto has been a standout performer, scoring four goals.

Other Teams & Key Players

Alajuelense

Joel Campbell used to play for Arsenal. / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Alajuelense, of Costa Rica's Liga FPD, boasts two former Premier League stars in its squad: defender Bryan Oviedo, who played for Sunderland and Everton, and forward Joel Campbell, best known for his time at Arsenal.

Cavalier F.C.

FC Cincinnati midfielder Malik Pinto dribbles the ball against Cavalier FC midfielder Dwayne Atkinson. / Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Jamaica Premier League side Cavalier F.C. secured their spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup by winning the 2024 Caribbean Cup. Forward Dwayne Atkinson played a key role, finishing as the tournament’s joint second-top scorer with six goals.

C.S. Herediano

Marcel Hernández in action against Real Salt Lake. / Agencia-MexSport/IMAGO

C.S. Herediano advanced to the Champions Cup round of 16 by defeating MLS side Real Salt Lake. Midfielder Elías Aguilar and winger Randy Vega both found the net in a 2-1 aggregate victory.