With the 2025 Club World Cup drawing closer, Chelsea and Manchester City—two of the Premier League's most formidable sides—have officially confirmed their final squads. However, it's not just the rosters making headlines; it’s who isn’t on them.
This year’s tournament promises to be historic, featuring an unprecedented prize pool of $125 million, the largest ever for a club competition with a seven-game structure. Kicking off on Sunday, June 15, the action will unfold across multiple stadiums in the United States, raising the stakes even higher.
Chelsea, under the direction of Graham Potter, has released a 28-man list that has stirred debate among supporters and analysts alike. Missing from the squad are several notable figures: Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell. Sterling’s exclusion has particularly sparked conversation, given his consistent performances and recent form.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, has also finalized its squad, though details remain somewhat guarded. Nonetheless, insider reports confirm that a few prominent names have been omitted, pointing to tactical recalibrations or a focus on younger talent development.
These decisions have led many to speculate—are Chelsea and Manchester City making bold strategic plays, or are these roster choices indicative of deeper issues? Could fitness concerns, internal dynamics, or long-term planning be influencing these high-stakes moves?
As anticipation builds, the 2025 Club World Cup is poised to deliver not only thrilling football but also fascinating narratives around team strategy, leadership, and depth. With over $100 million on the line and pride at stake, every decision could define the path to glory—or regret.
Will Chelsea’s controversial omissions undermine their campaign? Can Manchester City’s tactical depth rise to the occasion? The countdown to the world’s most lucrative club competition has begun, and all eyes are on the pitch.