The FIFA Club World Cup stands as a global commemoration of sporting excellence, bringing together the top clubs from each and every continent to compete for international glory.
One of soccer’s greatest competitions returns once again, this time held in America.
From different playing styles, tactical philosophies and traditions – the Club World Cup has it all.
As its 21st edition occurs, the question is not which club will win – but who can establish themselves on soccer’s biggest stage and capture the prestigious Golden Boot award?
Here, Sport Preview’s Ethan Pitts tips up three players to watch as they aim to lead their respective franchise to Club World Cup glory.
Kylian Mbappe – 11/2
Few reflect the new era of attacking dynamism in the way Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe embodies.
A World Cup champion and one of the greatest players on the planet, Mbappe comes into the Club World Cup with a point to prove.
After a trophyless first season at Madrid, Mbappe will be chomping at the bit to obtain his first bit of silverware with ‘Los Blancos’.
The ‘Galacticos’ have been boosted by the arrivals of Dean Huijsen, and in particular, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The arrival of the former Liverpool full-back will only add to a team of creative phenomenons ready to feed Madrid’s number nine.
Mbappe’s recent exceptional goalscoring season earmarks himself as the clear favourite for this award, and with his prodigious talent it is easy to see why.
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Harry Kane – 7/1
Harry Kane has established himself as one of the game’s most prolific strikers in the modern era, renowned for his consistent ability to impact the game from all areas of the pitch.
With a German Bundesliga title now under his belt, Kane comes into the Club World Cup with both repute and form.
Bayern’s number nine managed to reach new levels in the 2024/2025 campaign, scoring 38 goals in 46 games.
Despite Kane’s outstanding career, he is still without that elusive European title.
The Club World Cup represents a fantastic opportunity for England’s marksman to get over the hump and guide his side to glory.
Bayern have one of the ‘weaker’ groups at this tournament, which could potentially give Kane ample opportunities to increase his goal tally as the competition goes on.
Julian Alvarez 25/1
The outstanding element to these short format competitions is the unpredictability of it, and this year may well be the year of the underdog.
Julian Alvarez is one of football’s most successful players, boasting a quite absurd trophy cabinet from his exploits at River Plate, Manchester City, Argentina and now Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez has rapidly developed into one of the game’s best young attackers, known for his ubiquitous work ethic and versatility.
Despite being only 25, ‘The Spider’ has an abundance of big-game experience and comes into the tournament with seven goals in his last 10 games for club and country.
The Club World Cup could be the perfect platform for Alvarez to establish himself as one of the best attackers on the planet, as he aims to lead Atletico to their first European success since 2018.
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