Five things to look out for as Club World Cup kicks off
AFP Sport picks five things to look out for on the pitch as teams compete to conquer the world and claim their share of $1 billion in prize money.
Messi back in the spotlight
Former Barcelona great Lionel Messi has spent the last two seasons at MLS side Inter Miami but the Club World Cup pits him against European opposition once again.
The 37-year-old superstar still possesses supreme quality but there are question marks over whether he and former top level stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets can seriously compete against the cream of the crop.
Inter Miami face Porto in their second group match in Atlanta, a team Messi has faced once before, beating them with Barca in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2011.
Messi also featured against Porto in a friendly with Barca back in 2003, which was his first ever appearance for the club at 16 years old.
If he nets at the tournament, Messi would become the oldest ever Club World Cup goalscorer, while both he and Suarez trail the competition's all-time top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, by two goals.
A new stage for Doue
Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final romp over Inter Milan was inspired by thrilling forward Desire Doue, who turned 20 earlier in June.
His spectacular burst into the limelight over the past few months means he is one of the players to watch this summer at the Club World Cup.
He struck twice in the final against Inter as well as setting up another goal and drew comparisons to Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal, who will not be playing this summer as Barcelona did not qualify.
PSG's opening clash against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles immediately gives Doue another stage to shine on as the world at large continues to discover his immense talent.
Revamped City
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City endured a poor season by their lofty standards and immediately took action in the special transfer window to bolster their squad for the Club World Cup.
The Abu Dhabi-owned club have already splashed more than £100 million ($136 million) on Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki.
AFP | Paul ELLIS
With holding midfielder Rodri also returning to fitness after injury, City are hoping they can step up their game significantly.
French 21-year-old attacking midfielder Cherki is an exciting talent looking to show his quality at the top level.
"I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction," said City's director of football Hugo Viana.
South American threat
While Europe's elite are at the end of a long, hard season, South American clubs are midway through their campaigns and will be energised.
They have long revered the competition to a far greater degree than European sides, as it represents the chance to face the very best teams in the world.
Fans who do not regularly follow South American football can look forward to discovering some of the most exciting emerging talents in the world.
River Plate's Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono will join Real Madrid after the tournament, while Chelsea-bound striker Estevao Willian is hoping to end his time at Brazilian side Palmeiras with a bang.
Atletico hunger
AFP | JAVIER SORIANO
Atletico Madrid ended the season trophyless despite looking like potential contenders in Spain and Europe.
Diego Simeone's side are proud of having reached the tournament ahead of La Liga rivals Barcelona and the coach has not hidden his desire to succeed this summer.
"I hope we can advance in the Club World Cup and lead Atletico Madrid to a privileged position," said Simeone.
Atletico have not won a single trophy since lifting La Liga in 2021 and their last success outside of Spanish football came in 2018 with Europa League and UEFA Super Cup wins.
Their elimination by Real Madrid in the Champions League after Julian Alvarez's controversial 'double-touch' penalty was disallowed sent them into a spiral, which they only managed to shake off in the final weeks of the season, after their chances of success had vanished.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs lose R40 million man for free, replacement found
Kaizer Chiefs appear to have parted ways with Edson Castillo, who was once reportedly valued at around R40 million. The 31-year-old Venezuelan international joined Amakhosi in 2023 and has since played 40 games, scoring five goals. Notably, he was not included in the squad that recently completed pre-season training in the Netherlands. According to Soccer Laduma , Kaizer Chiefs may have identified a young player to fill Castillo's role. Insiders have reported that Amakhosi has offered 20-year-old Thulani Mabaso a three-year contract, running from July 2025 to June 2028, with an additional one-year option that could extend his stay until 2029. 'He is the one who could feature more this season amongst those recently promoted and they are believed to have offered him a three-year contract with a one-year option. He has done very well in the pre-season and all the involved parties are happy with what's going on regarding his contract,' the insider told Soccer Laduma. A second source told the publication that Mabaso was viewed as a direct replacement for a Venezuelan international. 'They believe he can replace Castillo. The way he plays and the way he handles himself, he is ready for the senior team and can do a great job. That's why the club, together with the technical team, has agreed to offer him a long-term contract,' the second insider told the Siya crew. Last year, Soccer Laduma reported that North African teams were interested in Castillo however, Kaizer Chiefs put a R40 million price tag on the South American midfielder. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs broke silence on Ighodaro news
Kaizer Chiefs have firmly denied reports linking Etiosa Ighodaro to the club, despite weekend speculation suggesting a deal had been finalised. Contrary to the circulating rumours, Ighodaro has not signed with the Soweto giants. Amakhosi returned to South Africa on Saturday night after wrapping up a crucial pre-season camp in the Netherlands. Head coach Nasreddine Nabi used the European tour to closely evaluate his squad ahead of the upcoming 2025/2026 season. Kaizer Chiefs have now shifted their attention to this Saturday's blockbuster Toyota Cup clash against Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko. The match will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, offering Nabi's charges another opportunity to gel and sharpen their tactical approach. The club recently confirmed several new signings, strengthening their squad with the additions of Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Flavio Silva, and Siphesihle Ndlovu. However, Ighodaro's name did not appear among the announced arrivals following the team's return from Europe. 'There's been a lot of talk about Ighodaro joining Chiefs, but the reports suggesting he has signed are inaccurate,' a source close to the situation told the Siya crew. 'He is still assessing his options both locally and abroad. Nothing has been concluded.' Addressing viral images of Ighodaro in Chiefs' colours, the source clarified. 'Those pictures were photoshopped.' The misleading visuals only added confusion to an already noisy transfer rumour. Ighodaro, who spent last season on loan at AmaZulu from Mamelodi Sundowns, is believed to be weighing up a move abroad. Moroccan club Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès (MAS Fès) have reportedly shown strong interest in the Nigerian striker. With the transfer window still open and the club actively restructuring under Nabi. Amakhosi fans can expect more surprises before the new campaign kicks off. Whether Ighodaro resurfaces as a genuine target or not. One thing is clear, Chiefs are not done making moves. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: R120 million, exit looms, new deal revealed
Orlando Pirates secured a 2-0 victory over Granada on Saturday to conclude their European pre-season tour. 20-year-old phenom Relebohile Mofokeng was one of the names on the scoresheet in what could be his final game for the Buccaneers amid substantial interest from several clubs across the globe, including Ah Ahly, FC Cincinnati, and Dutch giants PSV. According to reports, the latter is willing to pay over R100 million for the Sharpeville-born star. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million,' an inside source revealed. 'You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that.' A second source confirmed PSV's intentions, alluding to the fact that the Orlando Pirates star is the preferred choice over their initial target Iqraam Rayners. 'There are different scouts from Holland who are believed to be working with recruiters for PSV. They enquired about Iqraam Rayners but it is believed that they are looking at a long-term investment now, and that's why they have opened up negotiations with Orlando Pirates for Rele Mofokeng,' the second insider revealed. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have reportedly offered 35-year-old maestro Makhehlene Makhaula contract discussion. Talks have been in motion for a couple months the players agent, Sizwe Ntshangase, confirmed in June. 'What I can confirm is that our discussions with Pirates have gone very well, to the satisfaction of both parties. It is up to Pirates to issue an official statement on Makhaula's contract and its duration,' Ntshangase said. 'I don't like to talk too much (to the media) about the contract of a player I represent, but I leave a lot to his team once we have concluded negotiations with them.' Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
