Chelsea and PSG Stars Steal the Spotlight in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Dream Team
Hundreds of athletes participated across 63 fixtures during this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, though not every player delivered equally impressive performances in the United States.
The tournament showcased several outstanding individual displays, many of which emerged unexpectedly. Similar to the international World Cup, numerous talents introduced themselves to fresh audiences who were previously unfamiliar with their capabilities.
However, some of the brilliant superstars we know well also stepped up when it mattered, reinforcing their world-class reputation through spectacular showings.
Selecting the Tournament's Best XI presents a considerable challenge, but we've attempted to do justice to the task.
Sports Illustrated's Club World Cup Team of the Tournament (4-2-3-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Donnarumma played a crucial role in PSG's remarkable collection of shutouts in the United States, delivering especially outstanding displays during the elimination rounds that matched his excellent 2024–25 season form.
RB: Achraf Hakimi—Hakimi found the net in both the Champions League semifinal and final for PSG during their title run and enhanced his excellent attacking contributions at the Club World Cup with multiple goals and assists.
CB: Thiago Silva—Not many anticipated the 40-year-old veteran to deliver such consistently brilliant performances at the competition, but quality endures forever. Silva was crucial to Fluminense's solid defensive structure, guiding them to the semifinals.
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly—Another ex-Chelsea defender who caught attention at the tournament was Al Hilal's Koulibaly. He contributed a goal and assist during the knockout phase while adding several outstanding defensive displays in the group stage.
LB: Nuno Mendes—PSG's wing-backs were typically irresistible throughout the past year, with Mendes providing comparable energy and offensive threat to Hakimi. A frustrating tournament conclusion couldn't diminish his excellent contributions.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—The Ecuador midfielder continues to deliver essential toughness and defensive intelligence at the core of Chelsea's midfield, producing several outstanding displays in the United States.
DM: Vitinha—Vitinha remains crucial for PSG and consistently demonstrates his importance as the central figure in midfield. The Portuguese player's stamina, defensive support, and excellent passing enabled João Neves and Fabián Ruiz to advance forward and contribute goals.
RW: Jhon Arias—The 27-year-old may not have accumulated numerous goals or assists at the competition, but he was tireless in the attacking third for Fluminense. He presented a formidable obstacle for opposing defenses, who found it difficult to handle his skill and tactical awareness.
AM: Cole Palmer—Enzo Maresca has urged Palmer to excel in crucial matches, and that's precisely what he accomplished in the final. Two goals and one assist against the world's finest team demonstrated his exceptional abilities.
LW: Pedro Neto—Neto's inaugural season with Chelsea wasn't entirely smooth, but the Portuguese winger provided an extended preview of his capabilities this summer. Goals came frequently in North America, and few could rival his productivity.
ST: Gonzalo García—García emerged as one of the tournament's surprise performers, netting four goals for Real Madrid while leading them to the semifinal. The 21-year-old striker scored against Al Hilal, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund during the competition.