In the just-concluded Club World Cup, some young players' performances were impressive and are expected to continue to shine in the national team. Here are five players who have made their mark in the Club World Cup and are likely to become key figures in the international arena.
Rodrigo Mora (midfielder, Porto, Portugal)
Old 18-year-old Porto midfielder Mora scored a goal in the team's 4-4 draw with Cairo Nationals, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the history of the Club World Cup. The attacking midfielder has excellent dribbling skills and often causes trouble for opponents during games.
Mora entered the first team through the Porto youth training system and quickly made her mark in the 2024/25 season. His outstanding performance in the Portuguese Super League has already won him the call for the Portuguese national team, but has not yet completed his national team debut.
If he can continue to maintain good form in the coming season, the young player is likely to enter the plan of Portugal coach Martinez. Mora has a particularly outstanding breakthrough ability in a narrow space, and can complete shots with both feet. Both B and B Fee will be 31 years old in the World Cup next year, and Mora can provide Portugal with another option on the bench, bringing vitality and momentum.
Marcos Leonardo (forward, Riyadh Crescent, Brazil)
Leonardo transferred to Riyadh Crescent for 40 million euros in September 2024 and immediately had an impact. In 43 games that represented the Saudi giants, the Brazilian contributed 29 goals and 4 assists. Although it has not been called up by the Brazilian national team yet, it is only a matter of time before he can be selected if he can maintain this excellent form.
Led by new head coach Inzaghi, Leonardo performed well in the club's World Cup. He scored twice in the last 16 against Manchester City and scored a winning goal in overtime, creating one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
Leonardo scored four goals and gave an assist while leading the Riyadh Crescent to the quarterfinals, but failed to help the team avoid losing against Fruminense. Since there is no fixed forward candidate for the Brazilian national team recently, Leonardo has a great chance to participate in next year's World Cup.
João Pedro (forward, Chelsea, Brazil)
Almost no young player has attracted such great attention after just two games and a few training sessions. João Pedro scored two decisive goals in the semi-finals and secured the victory in the final against Paris Saint-Germain, helping Chelsea win 3-0, fully demonstrating his strength.
The three goals were very exciting, but the 23-year-old was also competent for the role of the organizer. Joao Pedro and Marcos Leonardo's performance in the United States undoubtedly increases their chances of becoming Brazil's new Nine.
The Chelsea new player made his Brazilian national team debut at the end of 2023, but has only received two opportunities since then and has not fully proved himself. However, his rapid start in the Blues undoubtedly brought him back to people's sight. If he can continue his performance in the club's World Cup in the following season, it will be difficult for Ancelotti to ignore his chances of playing next year's World Cup.
Mastantono (wind, riverbed/Real Madrid, Argentina)
Mastantono just transferred to Real Madrid a few weeks ago, but he had the opportunity to say goodbye to the club Riverbed of his childhood in the Club World Cup. Those who watch Mastantono may never guess he is only 17 years old. In addition to his excellent physique for this age, he also demonstrated his natural understanding of the game and excellent left foot skills.
He made his debut in the World Cup qualifiers against Chile in early June, and whether he can play a major role in Argentina in the World Cup also depends on his performance in Real Madrid's top squad. However, Alonso has boldly activated young players many times in the past, and Mastantono may benefit from it.
Gonzalo Garcia (Forward, Real Madrid, Spain)
21-year-old Garcia only joined Real Madrid's first team since early June, but immediately stood out in the Club World Cup. He contributed four goals and one assist in six games, not only showing the threat in front of the goal, but also impressed with his tireless running and pressing. Therefore, despite the fierce competition, he quickly became Alonso's first choice in the game.
This player who came out of Real Madrid's youth training camp has only played a few games for Spain's U18 and U19, but if he can continue his performance in the Club World Cup in the new season and get support from Alonso, he should be called by Spanish national team coach De La Fuente soon.
Oyasabal has performed well on the front line recently, but Spain still needs more options, especially if Morata will turn 33 by then. If Garcia can continue to grow at Real Madrid, he will soon become an important option on the Spanish attack line.