No Messi: Ranking the Top 7 Best Players in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has been a stage for both established stars and breakout talents to shine. 

With Lionel Messi not in the spotlight for this list, here are the top seven players who have impressed so far in the tournament, ranked based on their performances, impact, and potential. 

From goal-scoring heroics to all-around brilliance, these players have stolen the show in the first phase of the competition.

Olise has been a revelation, sitting joint-top of the goalscoring charts with three goals and adding two assists. 

His explosive pace, silky dribbling, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders, particularly in Bayern’s rout of Auckland City. 

The 23-year-old Frenchman’s ability to create and score has been pivotal for Bayern’s attack. 

A dazzling performance with three goals and two assists, showing his flair and precision against Auckland remains a key highlight.

The 20-year-old Turkish star has been a bright spark in Juventus’ campaign, also netting three goals. 

His trademark long-range rockets and creative playmaking have turned heads, with a standout strike against Wydad that no goalkeeper could’ve stopped. 

Yildiz’s ability to score and create makes him a complete attacking threat. Scoring and assisting in Juventus’ 4-1 thrashing of Wydad, proving his clutch ability.

The Colombian winger has been Fluminense’s standout, showcasing versatility by excelling on the right, left, or in midfield. 

His flair, vision, and work rate have been crucial for the Brazilian side, who’ve gone unbeaten through two rounds. 

Arias’s ability to dictate play and contribute in big moments makes him a key figure. His all-around brilliance has been the heartbeat of Fluminense’s strong group stage showing.

The 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid, soon to join Chelsea, has lived up to his “Messinho” nickname, even without scoring any goal. 

His impish dribbling, precise shooting, and fearless attacking style have electrified audiences at the Club World Cup, earning two man of the match awards. 

Twisting defenders inside out with pinpoint accuracy, earning praise from coach Abel Ferreira as a player with “magic inside him.”

The Palestinian forward has matched the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, displaying his clinical edge for Al Ahly. 

His ability to find space and finish chances has been vital for the Egyptian giants, making him a surprise standout in the competition.

A hat-trick in the group stage, proving his knack for finding the net against top opposition.

The young Spaniard has emerged as a key part of Real Madrid’s attack, complementing stars like Kylian Mbappé. 

His energy, movement, and ability to link play have added a new dimension to Los Blancos’ forward line. Garcia’s breakout performances have marked him as one to watch.

His dynamic runs and intelligent play have helped Real Madrid dominate their group under new boss Xabi Alonso.

Fluminense’s goalkeeper has been a rock between the posts, making crucial saves to keep his team unbeaten. 

His commanding presence and sharp reflexes have frustrated opponents, earning him a spot among the tournament’s best. Fabio’s experience has been a steadying force for the Brazilian side.

A string of stunning saves to deny top attackers, especially in the final game against Mamelodi Sundowns, anchoring Fluminense’s defensive solidity.

These seven players have defined the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 so far, stepping up in the absence of Messi’s usual dominance. 

From Olise’s goal-scoring to Fabio’s heroics in goal, they’ve shown that the tournament is a platform for both emerging stars and seasoned performers to shine. Keep an eye on them as the knockout stages unfold