Four breakout players from the FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

The FIFA Club World Cup has seen several new stars emerge and we’ve profiled four players who have been the breakout names of the tournament.

Four breakout players from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Gonzalo Garcia – Real Madrid

Gonzalo Garcia had never started a game for Real Madrid before this tournament. Now, the 21-year-old is leading the Golden Boot race as the Spanish side target a record-extending sixth title. Garcia was given his chance after scoring 25 league goals for the club’s Castilla side last season and has proven he can handle the step up.

The Spanish striker has scored or assisted in all five of Real Madrid’s games, including the opener in the quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund.

With Kylian Mbappe having struggled with illness this summer, Garcia has grasped his chance under Xabi Alonso. His intelligent movement and razor-sharp instincts may see plans to sign an out-and-out forward cancelled. He’s certainly overtaken Endrick in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

Jhon Arias – Fluminense

If it is possible to be a breakout star at 27, then Jhon Arias is just that. The Fluminense winger started the tournament as an unknown to those with limited knowledge of South American football but has been one of the Club World Cup’s brightest stars.

Arias has been a driving force in Fluminense’s shock run to the semi-finals, tormenting teams throughout the tournament. The Colombian scored and assisted in the group stage win over Ulsan HD before starring during the last-16 upset of Inter Milan. Arias created four chances and won seven duels in a livewire performance that has become his trademark.

Igor Jesus – Botafogo

Nottingham Forest fans can get excited about Igor Jesus, who will join the Premier League side this summer. Jesus said farewell to Botafogo at the tournament and caught the eye with a string of impressive performances.

The 24-year-old scored twice in four games and impressed with his centre-forward play, running the channels tirelessly and holding-up possession well for the Brazilian outfit.

Amid a reliance on Chris Wood last season, Forest now have a genuine alternative. With the reported fee just £10m, Jesus could prove to be a bargain.

Richard Rios – Palmeiras

Richard Rios won admirers with his performances at the Copa America last summer and has enhanced a growing reputation in the United States.

The Colombian was a driving force in Palmeiras’ run to the quarter-finals, shining with his powerhouse performances in midfield.

Rios has a fascinatingly well-rounded skillset, ranking among the tournament’s top players for tackles and interceptions, traits combined with drive and dribbling ability.

At 25, Rios appears primed for a big move to Europe with several Premier League teams having tracked his performances.

Read – The highest transfer fees for uncapped English players

See more – Gyokeres reaches ‘full agreement’ with Arsenal over transfer

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