Down the years, the FIFA World Cup™ has acted as a springboard for countless players to earn big moves following impressive displays on the global stage. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ proved no different, with plenty of the tournament’s stars making big moves after catching the eye in the USA. Here, FIFA looks at ten such stars.
Wessam Abou Ali
Al Ahly FC to Columbus Crew
Palestinian forward Abou Ali was already hot property heading into the global finals, as the 26-year-old had scored goals aplenty for Al Ahly FC. He proceeded to leave his mark on the world stage, registering a hat-trick in the Red Eagles’ pulsating 4-4 draw with Porto, though it wasn’t enough to see them to the knockouts.
A one-off trip to the States turned into his permanent residence soon after, with Columbus Crew acquiring him as a Designated Player. He went on to make his debut in the 2-1 defeat to New England Revolution in August.
Jhon Arias
Fluminense FC to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Colombian forward Arias was one of the breakout stars of the finals, as the energetic forward left an indelible mark on proceedings to help Fluminense FC to the semi-finals. After a lively performance against Borussia Dortmund, he smashed home an incredible free-kick against Ulsan HD – which would later be nominated for the Goal of the Tournament Award – and later provided a pinpoint cross for Keno to seal a 4-2 win.
Just over two weeks after Flu’s exit, Arias was unveiled as a Wolves player where he will feature alongside former team-mate, Andre.
Alvaro Carreras
SL Benfica to Real Madrid C.F.
Former Manchester United full-back Alvaro was already on the radar of Real Madrid C.F. before the finals, but remained with SL Benfica during the tournament. The Spaniard played in their opening two matches before the Portuguese giants were knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea in the last 16.
His long-awaited move to Los Blancos came shortly after the tournament where he has impressed so far. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Alvaro has played 90 minutes in each of their three league matches, and produced a stunning goal-line clearance in victory over Mallorca.
Kingsley Coman
FC Bayern München to Al Nassr
Coman wrote his name into Club World Cup history when he netted the tournament’s very first goal six minutes into FC Bayern München’s clash with Auckland City FC. He went on to score another and lay on an assist as the Bavarians opened with a 10-0 win. In their next clash with CA Boca Juniors, he sent Harry Kane through to score and all-but seal Bayern’s place in the knockout stage, where they would eventually succumb to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Following the tournament, Coman’s ten-year association with Bayern came to an end as he joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane at Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr.
Nelson Deossa
CF Monterrey to Real Betis
Deossa played a starring role in helping CF Pachuca reach the Club World Cup, before moving to CF Monterrey at the beginning of 2025 and catching the eye at the tournament itself. After helping his side to draws with Internazionale and CA River Plate, Deossa opened the scoring in their 4-0 hammering of Urawa Red Diamonds with a stunning 35-yard strike.
Once the Mexicans were edged out by Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, the in-demand Deossa moved to Europe to sign for Real Betis. An ankle injury hampered his early weeks in Andalusia, meaning he only made his Betis bow last time out in defeat to Athletic Club.
Oscar Gloukh
RB Salzburg to Ajax
The RB Salzburg conveyor belt continues to churn out immense levels of talent, with talented playmaker Gloukh no exception. The 21-year-old contributed to 37 goals across his final 55 Austrian Bundesliga matches, and continued that form by netting a wonder goal in the defeat of CF Pachuca in Cincinnati.
Another club well known for their development of talent are Ajax, who won the race for the Israeli international last month. Still yet to play a full 90 for his stuttering new side, one would imagine once the Dutch giants click into gear then Gloukh will be integral to it.
Igor Jesus
Botafogo to Nottingham Forest
The Brazilian forward was linked with a Premier League switch before he headed to the global finals with Botafogo and his performances in the States did his chances of a move no harm at all. The all-action forward planted a header home in an impressive victory over Seattle Sounders FC, before shaking the tournament with his winning strike against PSG.
Shortly after Botafogo’s elimination to Palmeiras in the last 16, Igor Jesus was announced as a Nottingham Forest player. He was joined at the City Ground by fellow Fogo star Jair Cunha.
Dorgeles Nene
RB Salzburg to Fenerbahce
Like Gloukh, Nene was a star of the Salzburg team which went to the States before moving on to pastures new. The skilful winger played in all three of the Austrians’ matches and impressed with his expert dribbling and tenacity.
He returned to Salzburg and helped them to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions league, before departing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. In his first match for the Yellow Canaries, he forced home their opener in the 3-1 victory over Genclerbirligi.
Richard Rios
Palmeiras to SL Benfica
Across June and July of 2024, Rios was impressing as Colombia reached the final of the Copa America. Fast forward 12 months and he was once again under the spotlight as the dynamic midfielder impressed for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup. The 25-year-old is well known for his terrific tackling ability and is a possession-winning machine, but – thanks in part to his futsal background – he’s also dangerous in possession. After three strong group-stage outings, he assisted the winner against Botafogo and his side’s goal in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea FC in the last eight.
After strong links to several European clubs came to nothing in 2024, Rios earned his big move this year with a switch to fellow Club World Cup side SL Benfica. He’s already established himself a key cog in the Eagles’ engine room, playing eight matches so far including the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off victories over Fenerbahce.
Wesley
CR Flamengo to Roma
Despite being just 21, Wesley headed to the USA as a relative veteran in the CR Flamengo ranks, having played more than 100 matches for the Mengão. His stock continued to rise stateside, with the flying wing-back playing in two of their four matches.
It was Roma who made a move for the highly-touted defender, where he has enjoyed an instant impact. On his Serie A debut against Bologna, the twice-capped Brazilian stole in after a defensive mix-up to calmly slot home the winning goal.
