Club World Cup: Six iconic veterans set to star this summer | OneFootball

The FIFA Club World Cup is back and bigger than ever, with the inaugural 32-team format starting this weekend.

Some of world football’s biggest names and clubs are on show in the United States, including a wealth of evergreen legends hoping for success on the world stage.

Here are six iconic veterans taking part in this summer’s Club World Cup.

Club World Cup: Six iconic veterans set to star this summer

Lionel Messi – Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s controversial entry as hosts was designed to get Major League Soccer’s, and perhaps world football’s, biggest name involved.

FIFA awarded Inter Miami the final Concacaf spot and The Herons join Seattle Sounders FC, CF Monterrey, Los Angeles FC and Pachuca as the North American representatives.

Inter Miami were the winners of the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, though some felt that the Columbus Crew, the reigning champions and Leagues Cup winners, were more deserving. The Messi factor undoubtedly played a part in the decision.

Still, having arguably football’s greatest-ever talent on show is no bad thing. Messi might have headed to the US to slow down somewhat, but there’s still plenty of magic. He’s recorded 73 goals and assists in 59 games for the MLS side.

Edinson Cavani – Boca Juniors

“El Matador” is still going strong and will lead Boca Juniors at the tournament.

Cavani scored 20 goals in all competitions for Boca last season and remains a real threat even as the Uruguayan creeps towards 40. He’s part of an ex-Manchester United brigade at the Buenos Aires giants, alongside Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera.

Olivier Giroud – Los Angeles FC

France’s record scorer swapped Milan for Los Angeles in 2024, joining LAFC as a Designated Player. Giroud has not quite lived up to that billing, however, netting just five times in 34 appearances for the club.

The 38-year-old will be hoping for better fortunes when Los Angeles FC kick off their Club World Cup campaign against his former side, Chelsea, on Monday evening.

Sergio Ramos – Monterrey

Sergio Ramos is a multi-time winner of the Club World Cup after lifting four trophies during a decorated career at Real Madrid. Incredibly, the centre-back was the top scorer at the 2014 edition, on route to winning the competition and the Golden Ball.

These days, the 39-year-old is making his mark with Monterrey in Mexico. Since joining in February, Ramos has already scored four times in nine games and earned a red card – the 30th of his career.

Thiago Silva – Fluminense

Thiago Silva’s evergreen elegance will be on show at the heart of the Fluminense defence this summer.

The Brazilian rejoined his former side from Chelsea in 2024 and is still going strong despite nearing his 41st birthday.

After a difficult 2024 Brasileiro Série A, Fluminense have shown improvement this time around. A place in the knockout rounds is the target.

Luka Modric – Real Madrid

Luka Modric will bow out at Real Madrid after the tournament with the midfielder expected to move to Milan on a free transfer.

The Croatian is the most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history and will hope to end his record-breaking career with the club on a high.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, has won this competition five times previously.

Read – Club World Cup: Five exciting young talents to watch

See more – Florian Wirtz: What will record-breaker bring to Liverpool?

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