Chelsea have made a bold move for Mamadou Sarr, signing the 19-year-old from Strasbourg on an eight-year deal with an option for a ninth. Once Lyon’s youth skipper, Sarr played 27 games in Ligue 1 last term and stood out with his calm and sharp play. Now, he links up with Chelsea ahead of their Club World Cup bid.
What Sarr brings to the backline
Early Career: Sarr started at RC Lens’ academy before moving to Lyon at 13. He debuted for Lyon’s first team and had a brief loan spell in Belgium.
Strasbourg Success: In 2024, he joined Strasbourg for £8.5m, quickly becoming a key player as the club secured a spot in the Conference League.
Chelsea Connection: While at Strasbourg, Sarr played alongside Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic, further solidifying his ties with the Blues.
He led France to youth titles and showed grit during a short spell at Molenbeek. Liam Rosenior, who coached him last year, said his calm under fire is rare. With size, smarts, and time on his side, Sarr fits the plan.
Fan reactions
Fans are thrilled with Sarr’s arrival, with many praising his talent and predicting he will become a world-class centre-back. Social media buzz highlights excitement for Chelsea’s future, as supporters believe they’ve secured a ‘gem’ of a player.
This signing reflects Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to invest in young talent while aiming for success on the global stage.
Fitting the framework: Sarr under Maresca’s system
Enzo Maresca wants control. His game starts from the back with calm feet, smart passes, and sharp positioning that suits Mamadou Sarr. The 19-year-old thrives in build-up play and stays composed under pressure.
Maresca values defenders who think fast and stay cool, and Sarr fits that mould. His smooth passing and awareness make him a natural fit for Chelsea’s deep-possession setup. He doesn’t just clear the ball, but he starts attacks. With the right minutes, Sarr could link Chelsea’s backline and midfield.
What does this mean for Chelsea’s future?
Sarr’s arrival reflects Chelsea’s focus on smart, long-term squad building through the BlueCo model. His move from Strasbourg, where he’s trained alongside other Chelsea-linked talents like Santos and Petrovic, highlights how the club now develops players inside its system.
This setup helps smooth transitions into Maresca’s tactical approach, which demands defenders who stay composed and think fast. With regular injuries and rotation in the backline, Sarr offers the depth and fresh profile needed.
With the FIFA Club World Cup this month, Chelsea needs ready backups who fit the plan. Sarr may not start, but he brings a style that suits Maresca’s possession-first setup. His presence signals the club’s shift toward young, system-trained talent built for the long haul.
England sealed a 3-0 T20 series win over West Indies after a 37-run victory in the final match. They posted 248 for three, their highest T20 score on home soil. Ben Duckett led the charge with 84 off 46 balls, sharing a 120-run stand with Jamie Smith, who struck 60 from 26. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook added late firepower to close the innings.
West Indies replied with 211 for eight. Rovman Powell top-scored with an unbeaten 79 off 45 but lacked support. Johnson Charles and Shai Hope fell early, and England’s spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson kept control throughout.
The loss marks a tough end to the tour for the West Indies, who were beaten in all six white-ball matches. The team also faced a major blow with Nicholas Pooran’s exit from international cricket at age 29. Head coach Daren Sammy has warned that more players may follow.
Football thrives in its fierce rivalries, game-winning tactics, and team spirit, but once in a while, its best moments come from something much simpler: chemistry on the field. It’s that perfect cross that sets up a historic goal or a swift one-two pass that catches the other team’s defence on guard.
In a sense, it’s not just a team effort—it’s two players moving like one. These duos not only gave wins to their clubs but also gave fans a historic moment to relive. From an intense assist that sealed a title or a hug that warmed fans’ hearts, these players turned the field into a stage for connection and forming a bond.
Ready to relive their legacy? Dive into the story of football’s five most iconic duos—ones that ruled the field with their synergy.
Harry Kane & Son Heung Min
From 2015 to 2023, Kane and Son played side by side at Tottenham Hotspur. In those years, they formed the most productive duo ever made in Premier League history. They racked up a total of 47 goal combinations. Kane’s sharp vision and skill to drop deep as a false nine gave Son the freedom to make thrilling runs behind the defence.
Their chemistry peaked during the 2020-21 season, where they broke an all-time season goal-assist combo record.
In their intense clash against Crystal Palace in 2021, the pair hit their 14th combo of the season, surpassing Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton’s record of 13 combos since 1994/95. Kane’s clever passing and Son’s perfect timing made them a nightmare for defenders.
Off the pitch, fans adored them just as much. Their post-match interviews, inside jokes, and bro hugs turned them into one of football’s most loved duos. Kane now plays for Bayern Munich, while Son remains at Spurs. Still, no one can question their bond—Kane openly shows support for Spurs and Son recently shared his catch-ups with his ‘best friend’, Kane.
Didier Drogba & Frank Lampard
During Chelsea’s golden years under José Mourinho, Drogba and Lampard were unstoppable. They achieved a total of 36 combined goals in the Premier League, second to Spurs’ Kane and Son. Drogba’s power and finishing skills are in perfect sync with Lampard’s on-point passes and timing.
Their duo especially stood out in tight matches, including Chelsea’s FA Cup titles in 2007 and 2012. The pair’s crowning moment also came during the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, when Chelsea won their first-ever UCL title and became the first London club to do so, thanks to their top-notch goals and assists.
Though they weren’t always seen out together, their friendship was strong. ‘…we had a really good relationship off the pitch and we spoke a lot in training,’ Lampard once shared.
Today, Lampard is the head coach of Coventry City in the English Championship. Meanwhile, Drogba has retired and leads his own foundation. He also has a team, Team Drogba, that competes in the racing series, E1 Series.
Mohamed Salah & Roberto Firmino
Salah and Firmino thrived under Jürgen Klopp’s high-pressing and fast-paced system at Liverpool for six years (2017–2023). In over 175 games together, the pair worked for 25 direct goals—each showcasing their unique blend of speed, skill, and smarts.
Firmino’s role as a false nine opened up space for Salah to charge down swift goals. With Firmino setting up and Salah finishing, this became a signature of Liverpool’s dominant years. One of their earliest moments came in 2017 when Firmino assisted Salah’s first-ever Premier League goal for Liverpool. It marked the start of the then EPL’s deadliest duo.
While Salah still stars for Liverpool, Firmino chose to grow outside his comfort zone. He signed for Al-Ahli Saudi FC in 2023, with a contract until 2026. Their time together may have ended, but their legacy remains part of Liverpool’s modern era.
Robbie Fowler & Steve McManaman
In the 90s, Liverpool fans saw something special between Fowler and McManaman. As products of the club’s youth system, their bond on the field reflected that shared journey. Across nearly 250 game appearances, the powerful duo linked up for 24-goal combos. All these were possible, thanks to McManaman’s flair and Fowler’s sharp finishes.
McManaman’s slick dribbles would often tear defences, which let Fowler strike with power. The pairing’s Liverpool run felt like two young lads chasing the same dream, then living it out inside Anfield Stadium.
The duo’s standout memory? McManaman assisted Fowler’s last season goal before his first exit from Liverpool in 1999. It was a 3-2 derby win over Everton, a match etched in Liverpool history.
Today, both are active in the punditry scene. Fowler previously managed clubs abroad, and now he’s in charge of Liverpool’s former Melwood training ground. Meanwhile, McManaman lends his voice as a commentator for ESPN and TNT Sports broadcasts.
What makes you a great football duo?
It takes more than talent to create a football duo that clicks. A tight bond in-game comes from mutual trust and high-level game intelligence, as these duos can’t just play on the pitch—they must read each other. One glance, one subtle shift, and the other knows exactly what to do next.
Footballers who excel in duos often have strong scanning abilities. It’s a skill where players observe and process field information quickly. According to studies on elite players, scanning helps them build strong awareness and anticipation skills. They read a teammate’s (or an opponent’s) body language before making their next move.
The echoes of football’s perfect pairing
The beauty of football lies in its unpredictability. In games filled with noise from the crowd, critics, and chaos, these football duos found rhythm in each other. More than skill, their bond was built on timing and trust.
As fans, you didn’t just watch them play; you watched them connect. Perhaps, that’s the real magic behind football’s greatest partnerships.
The Call of Duty League (CDL) 2025 Regular Season officially ended on May 26, 2025, with Los Angeles Thieves in first place. All 8 teams are seeded in a double-elimination bracket. Every match is a best-of-five, except the grand finals, which are a best-of-nine. Here’s what you need to know about them before you make a bet:
Los Angeles Thieves
Coach:
Troy ‘Sender’ Michaels
Shane ‘ShAnE’ McKerral
Players:
Daniel ‘Ghosty’ Rothe
Dylan ‘Envoy’ Hannon
Paco ‘HyDra’ Rusiewiez
Thomas ‘Scrappy’ Ernst
Los Angeles Thieves is the favourite to win the Championship this year for having the strongest form in the entire roster. They were the winners of CDL Stage 2 Minor, Stage 3 Major, and Stage 4 Major back-to-back, and fans believe the Championship is theirs to claim.
Betting angle
Given their high odds to win, it’s better to focus on propositional matches when you’re betting on LA Thieves matches. Otherwise, bet on the potential dark horses like Miami Heretics or OpTic Texas on map winner markets.
Atlanta FaZe
Coach:
James ‘Crowder’ Crowder
Players:
Tyler ‘aBeZy’ Pharris
McArthur ‘Cellium’ Jovel
Zachary ‘Drazah’ Jordan
Chris ‘Simp’ Lehr
Atlanta FaZe is the champion of the CDL Stage 1 Major, beating LA Thieves in the finals in a close (4-3) match. They also have a strong form leading up to the CDL Championship with a healthy ratio of 7 wins and 3 losses in the last 10 games. They are a clear competitor for the 2025 CDL Championship title against LA Thieves, and a favourite in most matchups.
Betting angle:
Atlanta FaZe match winner outcomes are high-value bets against any team. Keep track of sportsbooks’ odds as soon as a fixture is available for the team.
Toronto Ultra
Coach:
Ryan ‘Flux’ Oldfield
Joseph ‘Joee’ Pinnington
Players:
Tobias ‘CleanX’ Juul Jonsson
Jamie ‘Insight’ Craven
Ben ‘Beans’ McMellon
Joseph ‘JoeDeceives’ Romero
Toronto Ultra has kept a consistent performance. Their match history is also strong with seven straight wins between May 4 to 25, the last of which is against LA Thieves at the Stage 4 Major 2025.
Betting angle:
Toronto Ultra is a strong long-shot match winner bet against the favourites, but only if they manage a 2-2 tie. Every map winner and match winner bet is a good deal when backing Toronto Ultra for in-play betting.
Vancouver Surge
Coach:
Raymond ‘Rambo’ Lussier
Players:
Jovan ‘04’ Rodriguez
Jordan ‘Abuzah’ François
Byron ‘Nastie’ Plumridge
Travis ‘Neptune’ McCloud
Vancouver Surge delivered strong performances in both the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Majors, finishing as runners-up in each. However, their momentum dipped during the Stage 4 Major, where they failed to make a top-four finish.
Now, they face the dangerous Miami Heretics—a team known for upsetting top-tier opponents. Despite the setback in Stage 4, Vancouver Surge is still a solid contender and has a strong chance of making it at least to Round 3 of the tournament.
Betting angle:
Vancouver Surge are great bets for outright markets like ‘to reach semi-finals’ or ‘to finish top four’. Matches in their fixtures frequently hit over 3.5 maps, so consider over bets on total map markets for in-play betting.
Miami Heretics
Coach:
Jorge ‘MethodZ’ Gabriel Bancells Alvarez
Players:
Adrian ‘MettalZ’ Serrano
José ‘ReeaL’ Manuel Fernández
David ‘RenKoR’ Isern
Diego ‘SupeR’ Escudero
Alejandro ‘Lucky’ López
The Miami Heretics are one of the most exciting underdogs to watch out for in the coming CDL Championship. Admittedly, they have a low placement compared to the other teams, but they are giant slayers! They’ve beaten LA Thieves 3-2 in the Stage 4 Major and in the Stage 4 Major qualifiers.
Betting angle:
The Miami Heretics’ win streak is based on momentum. Match winner markets on Miami Heretics are always high-value bets for in-play and future.
Carolina Royal Ravens
Coach:
Brian ‘Saintt’ Baroska
Players:
Isaiah ‘Gwinn’ Gwinn
Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat
Thomas ‘TJHaLy’ Haly
Dillon ‘Wrecks’ Slotter
It is difficult to predict the Carolina Royal Ravens’ fate in the CDL Championship, but it’s possible that they can reach at least Round 2. Their opening match is against the Toronto Ultra, so winning the first round is already a challenge. If the Ravens are lucky, they will face OpTic Texas in the losers’ bracket round one and have a shot to finish 4th place.
Betting angle
The Carolina Royal Ravens always put up a good fight as underdogs, refusing to give the favourites a clean sweep win. That makes them great teams to bet on at ‘map winner’ or ‘to win a map’ markets for in-play betting.
OpTic Texas
Coach:
Damon ‘Karma’ Barlow
JohnPaul ‘JP Krez’ Krez
Players:
Anthony ‘Shotzzy’ Cuevas-Castro
Brandon ‘Dashy’ Otell
Cuyler ‘Huke’ Garland
Mason ‘Mercules’ Ramsay
Cesar ‘Skyz’ Bueno
OpTic Texas has a stronger form than the Ravens, keeping their win/loss ratio at 5-5 in the last ten matches. Two of their wins are against the Toronto Ultra, back-to-back in the Stage 4 Major. However, they have not yet reached the same height that they reached in 2024, so this CDL Championship is their chance to return to form.
Betting angle:
OpTic Texas is a dark horse contender this CDL Championship, and you can expect to see some giant slaying from the team. There are plenty of opportunities for long-shot matches or map winner betting as the underdog in most matches.
Boston Breach
Coach:
Sean ‘Seany’ O’Connor
Players:
Eric ‘Snoopy’ Pérez Lozano
Cameron ‘Cammy’ McKilligan
Joseph ‘Owakening’ Conley
Evan ‘Purj’ Perez
Boston Breach is the CDL Championship underdog, but they proved that they can slay giants, having won against LA Thieves in the Stage 2 Major. The same active players who achieved that are facing off against Atlanta FaZe in the first round—a prime opportunity for giant slaying on the opening day.
Betting angle:
Boston Breach will have the biggest long-shot odds for match winner markets in betting futures. Place your bets early to take advantage of high closing line values to maximise payout even on a small ante.
Know the teams to bet with confidence
The Call of Duty League Championship 2025 delivers intense, high-stakes matchups, featuring some of the most thrilling moments in competitive esports. Stay updated with team performances, gain insights from live matches, and refine your betting strategy based on how teams perform on stage.
South Africa picked Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. Captain Temba Bavuma said the move was tactical. He pointed to Ngidi’s extra speed and height as key reasons for the call.
Ngidi joins fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder in the attack. At 1.93m tall, Ngidi brings a bounce that suits the Lord’s slope. Paterson, who did well in past Tests, missed out since his style is too close to Mulder’s.
Ngidi has played two Tests in the last year and a half. He dealt with several injuries and hasn’t bowled much in long matches. Still, he has experience at Lord’s and gives the team something different.
South Africa also changed their batting lineup. Mulder takes the No. 3 spot, and Tristan Stubbs, who held that spot before, will now move down the order. Meanwhile, Bavuma will take the 4th position.
Tottenham is close to acquiring Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, as their new head coach. Talks between the clubs are going well, and many expect Frank could be named Ange Postecoglou’s replacement within 48 hours. Everyone involved wants to finish the deal quickly, even his previous club.
Brentford is set to receive compensation for 51-year-old Thomas Frank, who joined the club in 2016 after managing Brondby. Sources say Tottenham will have to pay around £10 million to release him from his current contract, which could increase depending on how many coaching staff members he chooses to bring.
Behind the deal, the newly hired Tottenham chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, and chairman Daniel Levy are said to support this decision entirely. They are also involved in appointing Frank into Hotspur’s ranks.
Thomas Frank’s previous achievements
During his time in Brentford in 2018, his efforts allowed the team to participate in the English Premier League (EPL), and they also won the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2021. This established them as a club, even though the budget was small.
In the recent 2024-25 EPL, Brentford reached 10th place in the league table. They were way above Tottenham, which was placed 17th with only 11 wins out of 38 games.
Players competing in VALORANT’s V25A3 Premier playoffs can now earn exclusive new rewards. The winners will receive a special player card effect to showcase their success. To earn it, you must play at least two weekly matches or one playoff match.
You’ll get this reward when V25A4 starts. Stay on your team until the playoffs end. Riot will also give out a gun buddy and a title to eligible players within 24 hours after playoffs finish.
Premier allows regular players to form teams and compete for a chance to qualify for the Challengers League. It’s a path to pro play for anyone who wants to compete seriously.
Riot has also made some updates in patch 10.11. Icebox is now disabled from Deathmatch and Escalation due to issues. A Finisher Cam is added to help clear visual clutter during skinline finishers.
A new map will be shown during the Masters Toronto Grand Final in a showmatch with streamers Tarik ‘tarik’ Celik and Jeremy ‘Disguised Toast’ Wang. This map will be in the competitive queue on day one and give players an RR bonus.
Leaks hint at a new agent, but Riot has not confirmed it. In 2025, major updates, including Unreal Engine 5 and a replay system, are planned.
Over the years, several cricket players have made their mark on the sport. A few stand out as true legends. These athletes not only changed the game but also inspired millions with their skill, grit, and heart.
From the powerful batsmen who smashed records to the bowlers who dominated the field, each greatest of all time (GOAT) has a story to tell. Get to know some of them below:
Donald Bradman (Australia)
Born in Australia, Don Bradman, ‘The Don,’ rose to fame with a bat in hand. From 1927 to 1949, his skills were on display. His test statistics were remarkable, with nearly 7,000 runs to his name.
However, what sets him far apart is his batting average. At 99.94, it’s a record few can chase. It stands as proof of his class and grace. His style was his own, and he would tap the bat, lift it high, then strike with force as the ball flew by. This allowed Bradman to time each hit, showing an exceptional play.
Garfield Sobers (West Indies)
Garfield Sobers played for the West Indies from 1954 to 1974, leaving a huge mark on the sport. Sobers is not just a batsman; he is a true all-rounder. His skills with both bat and ball changed how the game was played.
Sobers made waves in domestic cricket as well, playing for teams like Barbados and Nottinghamshire in England. He is known for his flair and power. One of his most famous feats is hitting six sixes in a single over, a record that shocked fans and players alike.
He once held the record for the highest individual Test score, 365 not out, a milestone that stood until 1994. This achievement showed his ability to dominate the game. His left-arm bowling was equally impressive, making him a threat in any match.
With his talent, Sobers redefined what it meant to be a cricketer. His talent and passion inspired future generations and set new standards in the game. He remains a legend, regarded for his skill and sportsmanship.
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Sachin, known as the ‘God of Cricket’, is regarded as one of the best to ever play. His time in the sport lasted 24 years, a feat in its own right. He set many records that made him a star worldwide.
Sachin played for India from 1989 to 2013. He represented Mumbai in domestic cricket and made history as the first overseas player for Yorkshire. His unmatched concentration and skill were further proven when he became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis played for South Africa from 1995 to 2014, and people see him as the best all-rounder of the modern age. Kallis is great with both the bat and the ball. He also played for teams like Western Province and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kallis is known for his steady play. He scored over 10,000 runs and took more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, a rare feat. Kallis holds the record for most Test tons by a South African. His batting style is classic and sure, and his bowling is handy. Many see Jacques Kallis as one of the best to ever grace the sport.
Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
Wasim Akram is a name that rings with speed and skill. His gift for swing made him a star, and his work still inspires players today. Wasim could move the ball in ways that left batters in shock.
He is the first bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark in ODIs. His in-swinging balls were a sight to see, often hitting the mark. Wasim’s skill and drive have made him a role model for many aspiring players, making him stand tall as a true icon of the sport.
Brian Lara (West Indies)
Brian Lara represented the West Indies from 1990 to 2007, and his breathtaking style still captivates cricket fans around the world. In addition to his international success, he played domestically for Trinidad and Tobago and Warwickshire in English county cricket.
Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, an unbeaten 400 against England in 2004. He also owns the record for the highest first-class score, having made 501 not out for Warwickshire in 1994. These monumental innings cemented his status as one of the most prolific and elegant batters in the history of the game.
Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne was a spin bowler who played for the Australian team from 1992 to 2007. Warne played for teams like Victoria and Hampshire. He took 708 wickets in Tests, making him the second-highest wicket-taker ever. This feat shows his skill and power on the field.
One of his most famous moments is the ‘Ball of the Century,’ which changed how spin bowling is seen. Warne’s clever tactics turned leg-spin into a strong weapon, making him a feared bowler.
The X-factor: What every great cricketer has in common
In the world of cricket, some players shine brighter than others. They have a spark, a unique quality that sets them apart. This special trait, known as the X-factor, is what makes these athletes great.
Some of the unique traits that every great cricket player has in common include:
Skill and technique → Top players master their craft. They have sharp skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. This skill shows in their smooth swings and precise throws. Solid technique allows them to handle tough situations with ease.
Mental toughness → Cricket is as much a game of mind as it is of skill. Great cricketers stay calm under pressure, allowing them to focus, even when the game gets tense. This mental strength helps them bounce back from errors and keep pushing forward.
Work ethic → The best cricket players train long hours, perfecting every move. Their dedication to practice sets them apart. They push through tough days, always aiming to improve.
Passion for the game → A true love for cricket drives many top cricket players. This passion fuels their desire to play and win. It’s not just a job for them; it’s a way of life.
For Indian cricket fans, 2024 felt like an emotional whiplash wrapped in blue. It was a year full of ups and downs, like a long, painful ride that never stopped. While the good times felt thrilling, the bad ones left fans dizzy and tired.
What’s it like to cheer for a team that changes faster than you can follow? While the cricket heroes grow old, do you see the new stars waiting outside, ready to take over?
The high point: World Cup redemption
India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024 was deeply personal for fans, helping to heal old wounds after an agonising 11-year wait since their last in 2013. That long wait hurt, especially after the sad loss in the 2023 ODI final. However, Rohit Sharma, a player many thought was done, led with strength and fire.
Rahul Dravid, often seen as ‘too quiet’, gave his boldest moment yet. In the final, Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered most. Hardik Pandya, who missed the 2023 final in Ahmedabad due to injury, found redemption. At last, the ‘almost’ years were over. For a moment, the past didn’t hurt anymore— but was it the end, though?
The fall that followed: A steep, sudden collapse
After the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, India’s Test form faced significant challenges. The tour of Australia began with optimism but soon highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities.
Rohit struggled to score runs, while Kohli didn’t play like himself. The team lost its sharp edge. Rahul stepped down as head coach, and Gautam Gambhir took over in July 2024. Amidst inconsistent performances and leadership changes, fans pondered: was this the dawn of a new era or the end of a golden chapter?
The new guard: Fresh blood, fierce fire
While the older players struggled, India’s young players took the spotlight with energy, confidence, and no fear. Yashasvi Jaiswal brought style at the top, playing match-winning innings with ease. Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh added power and steadiness.
Tilak Varma also stayed calm and wise beyond his age in the middle order. This new group showed hunger, style, and a strong will to move past the old ways. Now, the question isn’t if they can take charge— it’s ‘should they’?.
A team at the crossroads
By the end of 2024, India looked like two teams in one: one chasing old goals, the other trying for a fresh start. The confidence that once felt natural now seemed weak. With the 2026 T20 World Cup coming soon, tough questions need answers.
What is the real path for this team? How long can India hold on to the past and change at the same time without falling apart? India didn’t just go from hot to cold in 2024— they burned and froze. Somewhere in the middle, the future quietly showed up.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) features 32 elite clubs from every continent, and teams qualify via continental championships or confederation coefficient. That means only the best get to compete in the new CWC season.
Making up more than a third of the competition’s roster is testament to UEFA’s strength. Here are some of the UEFA clubs joining the biggest international club tournament in football:
Qualified as continental champions (Champions League)
UEFA Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024 automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. These include Chelsea (2020/21), Real Madrid (2021/22 and 2023/24), and Manchester City (2022/23). UEFA has 12 total spots in the tournament, and after accounting for Champions League winners, the remaining places are awarded to the highest-ranked clubs in UEFA’s 2020–2024 coefficient standing.
Chelsea (English Premier League)
Coach Enzo Maresca brings stability to Chelsea’s exciting young team, featuring talents like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández. Adding Moisés Caicedo, the Blues have a solid midfield in the starting lineup. Team captain Reece James, in the right back, is the cherry on top of giving Chelsea a stable all-around formation and a strong dark horse potential.
Real Madrid (LaLiga)
New head coach Xabi Alonso aims to bring Real Madrid back to form after a difficult season. Coming with him is Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in preparation for his 4-3-3 formation in Real Madrid. That would mean the front is likely composed of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, three of the top forwards in the 2025 CWC!
Manchester City (English Premier League)
Coach Pep Guardiola sets his sights on the CWC trophy, to recover Manchester City’s form after a difficult EPL season. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden remain the club’s core members, but there will be aggressive changes before the 2025 CWC kickoff. Guardiola estimates investing more than the €220 million they spent in 2024.
Qualified via confederation rankings
The UEFA ranking used to determine who qualifies for the FIFA CWC is based on the 2020 to 2024 club coefficient. That is excluding clubs with automatic seeding as Champions League winners from 2020 to 2024. Here are the clubs that qualified for CWC via UEFA ranking:
Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich is the giant in Group C, having been the 2019/20 Champions League winner. They’ve had a consistently strong performance since then, even today under Vincent Kompany’s new leadership. Bayern has a strong lineup featuring goal scorers Harry Kane leading the front. Alongside him is Jamal Musiala, who is injured as of writing, but with hopes to recover before opening day.
Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1)
PSG has dominated Ligue 1 for most seasons since 2012/13, with only Monaco (2016/17) and Lille (2020/21) interrupting their winning streak. This continued under Luis Enrique’s management as they defeated Inter Milan with a 5-0 lead at the 2024/25 Champions League finals. They retained their lineup from then, including core players Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and Marquinhos.
Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Niko Kovač did a great job leading Borussia Dortmund in the final stretch of the Bundesliga, but is worried that CWC will be an uphill battle. The team club will be relying mostly on a solid defence, with Gregor Kobel, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Felix Nmecha as core players. Their strike team will centre around top goalscorers, Serhou Guirassy and Jamie Gittens.
Inter Milan (Serie A)
As of writing, Inter Milan doesn’t have a manager, and Cesc Fabregas is the first choice for a formal contract. That said, the club has a strong form with Lautaro Martinez leading the team’s forward line. Parallel to him are Nicolò Barella and Alessandro Bastoni in the midfield and backline, respectively, giving Inter a well-balanced starting lineup.
FC Porto (Liga Portugal)
FC Porto finished in third place in Liga Portugal and has a strong performance in the UEFA rankings, primarily thanks to their consistent Champions League appearances. They have a strong form with Pepe, Rodrigo Mora, and Diogo Costa acting as the club’s anchors. FC Porto will be playing under a new manager, Martín Anselmi, so fans can expect a fresh style.
Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
Atlético Madrid has achieved remarkable success under Diego Simeone’s leadership since he took up the position in 2011. Now, the world is going to see his magic again at the 2025 CWC. In their lineup are powerhouses like Julián Álvarez, Robin le Normand, and Conor Gallagher, who each joined Atlético in 2024, bolstering the club’s already impressive roster.
SL Benfica (Liga Portugal)
SL Benfica is one of the top performers in Liga Portugal, but they are considered the underdog in Group C, the same group as Bayern Munich. They have a challenging phase 1 to overcome, but they have a strong fighting chance. Manager Bruno Lage stated that he is counting on Ángel Di Maria in his core lineup alongside António Silva and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Juventus (Serie A)
Juventus is expected to share the top two spot with Manchester City in Group G as one of the European heavyweights. The club will be joining the 2025 CWC under Igor Tudor, who was just appointed manager in 2025. Tudor opts for a 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing frequent 1-on-1s, capitalising on Federico Gatti, Renato Veiga, and Pierre Kalulu in the defence.
FC Red Bull Salzburg (Austria Bundesliga)
Salzburg is in a pickle, being in Group H with heavyweights like Real Madrid and Al-Hilal. Manager Thomas Letsch will be capitalising on Oscar Gloukh and Petar Ratkov’s youthful energy against their generally older rivals. Though Salzburg only secured their spot after Arsenal fell short in UEFA rankings, they have the firepower to play against a giant-killing on the world stage.
Look forward to their performance at the 2025 CWC
The stage is set for UEFA’s twelve elite representatives to show their best against world-class squads. These teams will headline what was promised to be the most competitive Club World Cup yet. Look forward to their epic clashes with high expectations for a spectacular summer in 2025.
