Every major tournament gives us new stars. A few names you didn’t expect. Players who go from “Who?” to “Wow” in the space of a few games. The Club World Cup has done exactly that, delivering breakout performances from players who didn’t come in with the spotlight, but stole it anyway.
Here are five names who’ve truly turned heads at this year’s tournament.
5️⃣ Igor Jesus (Botafogo) 🇧🇷🎯
Igor Jesus made his mark.
Two goals in four matches, including a match-winning strike against PSG, gave Botafogo a real edge in the group stage. He looked every bit the classic center forward. Strong, direct, always a handful.
He averaged 2.8 shots per game and got 1.2 on target. For a 22-year-old still growing into his role, those are sharp numbers. Nottingham Forest have already signed him for £10 million, and if this form carries over, they’ve got real value on their hands.He may not be a big name yet, but he plays like someone who’s not afraid of the big stage.
4️⃣ Jhon Arias (Fluminense) 🎩🇨🇴
Jhon Arias delivered on every level.
He started all 6 of Flamengo’s games, scored a brilliant free-kick, and added an assist. On top of that, he created 2 big chances and constantly carried the team forward in transition.
Now, with Premier League sides like Crystal Palace and West Ham keeping tabs, a move to England might be on the cards soon.3️⃣ Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) 💫🏴
The surname stands out, but Jobe Bellingham is writing his own story.
He started three games, grabbed one goal and one assist, and created three big chances. He completed all of his dribbles and showed confidence in multiple roles — sometimes deeper in midfield, other times playing just behind the striker.There’s a maturity to the way he plays. No panic. No waste. Just smart positioning and clean execution. In short bursts, he looked like a player built for these big moments.
He’s no longer “Jude’s younger brother.” He’s Jobe. And he’s ready.
2️⃣ Richard Ríos (Palmeiras) 🛡️🇨🇴
Palmeiras had stars, but Richard Ríos was the one who did everything in between.
Across five starts, he provided two assists and filled the stat sheet in every area: 1.6 shots, 1.8 interceptions, 2 tackles, and 1.2 clearances per game. He blended energy with control, equally comfortable breaking up attacks or starting his own.Ríos was tenacious, smart, and technically clean. Whether shielding the backline or threading a pass into space, he played like a man in total control of his zone.
Roma, Inter Milan, and Manchester United have reportedly made inquiries. You can see why.
1️⃣ Gonzalo García (Real Madrid) 🦁🇪🇸
With four goals in five games, one assist, and an average of 2.2 shots per match (1.4 on target), he’s been Madrid’s go-to man in the final third. But he’s also putting in the dirty work. 1.2 tackles and 1.8 ball recoveries per game, as a striker.
That high-pressing intensity? It fits exactly what Xabi Alonso wants. García’s movement and hunger to win the ball back have made him the perfect fit for a system that thrives on pressure and quick transitions.
Some might be wondering how Mbappe fits into this team. But right now, García is playing like a striker who doesn’t plan on giving up his spot anytime soon.
📌 Final Word 📣
These are the breakout kings of the 2025 Club World Cup. Their stories are just getting started.
