Bayern Munich Stars Dominate Club World Cup Matchday 1 Team Selection
The inaugural matchday of the 2025 Club World Cup has concluded, featuring numerous outstanding individual performances across the tournament's first 16 fixtures.
Following the tournament's kickoff with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly, we've witnessed five thrilling days of football where several players delivered displays deserving of special acknowledgment.
From Bayern Munich's offensive dominance and Paris Saint-Germain's stars maintaining their excellent form, to a classic Sergio Ramos display and South American club defenders demonstrating their prowess, the Club World Cup is establishing itself as a compelling summer tournament.
Here's Sports Illustrated's top XI from the Club World Cup's opening matchday.
Club World Cup Matchday 1 Best XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Oscar Ustari—The Inter Miami shot-stopper emerged as the Herons' savior, preventing defeat in the Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly with his finest display since joining the team. His penalty save highlighted an exceptional eight-save clean sheet that secured him player of the match recognition.
RB: Sacha Boey—The 24-year-old fullback contributed a goal and assist during Bayern Munich's commanding debut. Boey excelled in covering the right wing, particularly in offensive phases, completing 85 of his 86 attempted passes.
CB: Sergio Ramos—The 39-year-old delivered a classic display, demonstrating why he remains among the finest center-backs of this century. He netted his signature header from a set piece and anchored a Monterrey defense that largely neutralized Inter Milan, securing a draw against the Champions League runners-up. Ramos starred in what stands as one of Liga MX's greatest international achievements.
CB: Alexander Barboza—Botafogo secured maximum points in their tournament bow thanks to center-back Alexander Barboza's determined defensive showing. With Seattle Sounders pressing for a leveler in the second period, Barboza recorded 13 clearances, leading all players in the competition thus far.
LB: Marcos Acuña—The 2022 World Cup winner excelled in River Plate's triumph over Urawa Red Diamonds. Despite conceding a penalty that led to River's sole goal allowed, he compensated with two exceptional deliveries that produced two assists. He created three significant chances from his left-back role.
CM: Cristian Roldán—The sole player on this roster from a losing team in their opener. Roldán performed brilliantly against the defending Copa Libertadores winners, netting Seattle's lone strike—the only goal by an MLS team so far. Roldán covered ground effectively with 11 recoveries and 15 final-third passes, shining despite the defeat.
CM: Vitinha—The Portuguese midfielder maintained his excellent form in Paris Saint-Germain's commanding win over Atlético Madrid. Vitinha dictated play from the center, similar to his Champions League-winning campaign performances. He capped his display with a goal, again proving his status among world football's elite midfielders.
RW: Michael Olise—Olise orchestrated Bayern Munich's 10–0 rout of Auckland City FC. The French winger recorded two goals and two assists while completing the match's most dribbles. Simply stated, no opponent could match Olise's brilliance on the day.
AM: Thomas Müller—The Bayern Munich icon began his farewell tournament with the club through an outstanding showing that included two goals and an assist. The 35-year-old orchestrated Bayern's attack and demonstrated his enduring quality in a magnificent start to his final chapter with the Bavarian club.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—Kvaratskhelia troubled Marcos Llorente consistently on the left flank for the European titleholders. The Georgian international provided two assists in PSG's victory in what many anticipated would be a closely fought encounter.
ST: Jamal Musiala—Leading the Club World Cup scoring charts after round one, Musiala needed just 29 minutes to complete his hat-trick in Bayern's tournament debut. A stylish long-range finish, a well-taken penalty, and a sharp follow-up to seal his treble—Musiala channeled his inner Harry Kane in the opening round.