FIFA has unveiled the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI following the conclusion of the revamped tournament, where Chelsea emerged champions. The London club dominated the squad with four players, while Real Madrid’s young star Gonzalo Garcia stood out as the only representative from the Spanish giants.
Chelsea secured the trophy after a thrilling run, including a dramatic victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final. Enzo Maresca’s men shone brightly throughout the competition, while Luis Enrique’s PSG contributed three names to the official lineup.
Chelsea Dominate FIFA Club World Cup Best XI
The FIFA ideal XI for the Club World Cup reflects Chelsea’s outstanding performance in the United States. Four of their key players—Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Cole Palmer—earned spots in the lineup.
Palmer, in particular, was the star of the tournament and received the award for Most Valuable Player (MVP). His crucial goals and assists helped Chelsea overcome top opponents and secure the title under the new competition format.
Gonzalo Garcia: Real Madrid’s Surprise Hero
One of the biggest surprises was the inclusion of Gonzalo Garcia, Real Madrid’s young forward, who stepped up in Kylian Mbappe’s absence. Garcia delivered an exceptional tournament, finishing as top scorer with four goals and one assist. His consistency and clinical finishing earned him a deserved spot in FIFA’s Best XI, despite Madrid falling short of the final.
Full List: FIFA Club World Cup Best XI
Here is the official FIFA Club World Cup Best XI for 2025:
Goalkeeper (GK): Yassine Bono – Al-Hilal
The Moroccan shot-stopper was sensational for Al-Hilal, leading them to the quarter-finals. Bono recorded the highest saves (35) and an incredible 7.22 goals saved, including his standout performance in eliminating Manchester City.
Right-Back (RB): Achraf Hakimi – PSG
Hakimi’s attacking threat defined PSG’s journey to the final. He scored against Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami and provided key assists against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. His pace and tactical intelligence made him indispensable.
Centre-Back (CB): Marquinhos – PSG
The Brazilian defender was rock solid, helping PSG keep five clean sheets in seven games. His leadership and composure under pressure were crucial for the French giants, despite losing the final to Chelsea.
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Centre-Back (CB): Thiago Silva – Fluminense
At 40 years old, Thiago Silva defied age to deliver an inspirational performance for Fluminense. His defensive discipline and aerial dominance guided the Brazilian club to the semi-finals.
Left-Back (LB): Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
Cucurella was consistent throughout the tournament and made vital interceptions in the final against PSG. His tactical positioning and defensive awareness gave Chelsea stability on the left flank.
Right Wing (RW): Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Named Player of the Tournament, Palmer was unstoppable. He scored in multiple games and produced a stunning performance in the final, scoring twice and assisting once against PSG. His creativity and composure underlined his rise as one of football’s brightest talents.
Central Midfielder (CM): Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez dominated the midfield with vision and passing accuracy. He finished as the top assist provider (3 assists) and orchestrated Chelsea’s attacks with precision and energy.
Central Midfielder (CM): Vitinha – PSG
Vitinha’s performances reaffirmed his status as one of the best midfielders in the world. He scored in the opening match against Atletico and provided key assists in later rounds.
Left Wing (LW): Pedro Neto – Chelsea
The Portuguese winger was decisive for Chelsea, scoring against LAFC and Flamengo during the group stage and delivering in extra time against Benfica. His work rate and technical ability were vital to Chelsea’s success.
Striker (ST): Jhon Arias – Fluminense
The Colombian forward scored and assisted in the early rounds and was instrumental in Fluminense’s journey to the semi-finals. His physicality and creativity caused problems for defenders throughout the tournament.
Striker (ST): Gonzalo Garcia – Real Madrid
Gonzalo Garcia’s rise was a major story of the Club World Cup. Filling in for Mbappe, he netted four goals and assisted once, making him the tournament’s Golden Boot winner.
Key Highlights from the Club World Cup
- Chelsea Lift Trophy: The Blues claimed the first Club World Cup under FIFA’s new format, defeating PSG in the final.
- Palmer Named MVP: Cole Palmer stole the show with his goals and assists, capping off an incredible campaign.
- Garcia Becomes Top Scorer: Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia ended as the tournament’s highest scorer, outshining global stars.
- African Influence: Bono and Hakimi made the Best XI, highlighting the rising impact of African talent in global football.
Desire Doue Wins Best Young Player Award
PSG’s Desire Doue was named Best Young Player of the Tournament despite missing out on a spot in FIFA’s Best XI. The French winger impressed with flair and creativity, signaling a bright future ahead.
Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid: Club World Cup Powerhouses
This year’s tournament showcased elite football, with Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid dominating headlines. Chelsea’s squad depth and tactical adaptability under Enzo Maresca proved decisive, while PSG’s resilience and attacking flair pushed them to the final. Real Madrid, though falling short, unearthed a future star in Gonzalo Garcia.
Conclusion: FIFA Club World Cup Best XI Reflects Global Talent
The FIFA Club World Cup Best XI for 2025 celebrates individual brilliance and team dominance. From Chelsea’s quartet to Garcia’s fairytale story, the selection highlights football’s global nature.
As FIFA’s new tournament format gains traction, the stage is set for even more thrilling contests in the coming years.
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