Chelsea's Shocking Squad Decisions for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Chelsea's surprising exclusion of four high-profile players from their FIFA Club World Cup squad raises questions about their strategy for the tournament.

Chelsea's Strategic Squad Selection for the FIFA Club World Cup

In a surprising move, Chelsea has decided to leave out four high-profile players from their 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The quartet, consisting of Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell, collectively cost the club approximately £179 million in transfer fees. All four players ended the previous season on loan at other clubs.

Player Profiles and Recent Performances

  • Raheem Sterling: The 30-year-old England forward, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £50 million, spent last season on loan with Arsenal. He started just 13 games and scored once.
  • Joao Felix: The 25-year-old Portugal forward made a permanent move to Chelsea last summer for £45 million. He scored seven goals in 20 appearances before ending the season on loan at AC Milan.
  • Axel Disasi: The 27-year-old France defender was signed from Monaco in 2023 for £38.5 million. He played 17 games last term before finishing the season on loan with Aston Villa.
  • Ben Chilwell: The 28-year-old England left-back was a £45 million signing in 2020. After just one game for Chelsea last term, he spent the rest of the season with Crystal Palace, where he was an unused substitute in their FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

The Expanded Club World Cup Format

The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup format is set to begin in the United States on Sunday, 15 June (01:00 BST). This new format promises to bring more excitement and competition to the tournament.

Chelsea's Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Gaga Slonina

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia

Forwards: Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu

Related Topics

Relation Football Schedule
2025-06-30 Monday

Henan Songshan Longmen

19:00 China, Super League, Round 16

Call

19:00

Shandong Taishan

Dalian Yingbo

19:35 China, Super League, Round 16

Call

19:35

Zhejiang Greentown

Beijing Guoan

19:35 China, Super League, Round 16

Call

19:35

Yunnan Yukun

Shenzhen Peng City F.C.

20:00 China, Super League, Round 16

Call

20:00

Shanghai Port

Shabab Al Ghazieh

21:00 Lebanon, Premier League, Round 14

Call

21:00

Shabab Al Sahel

What to Read Next

Brighton Stands Firm: Rejects £50m Bids for Star Forward Joao Pedro
Football

Brighton Stands Firm: Rejects £50m Bids for Star Forward Joao Pedro

Brighton has turned down two £50m offers for Joao Pedro, as top Premier League clubs vie for the Brazilian forward's signature.
By /
Chelsea Secures Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in Major Transfer Deal
Football

Chelsea Secures Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in Major Transfer Deal

Chelsea has finalized a deal to sign young winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, marking a significant addition to their squad for the upcoming season.
By /
Hibs Secure Rising Star Josh Mulligan After Dundee Departure
Football

Hibs Secure Rising Star Josh Mulligan After Dundee Departure

Hibernian FC signs versatile midfielder Josh Mulligan, a standout talent from Dundee, on a four-year deal.
By /
Injury Woes for Ireland: Campbell and O'Sullivan Miss Crucial USA Friendly
Football

Injury Woes for Ireland: Campbell and O'Sullivan Miss Crucial USA Friendly

Megan Campbell and Denise O'Sullivan are sidelined for Ireland's first friendly against the USA due to injuries, adding to the team's challenges.
By /
Wolves Secure Rising Star Fer Lopez in £19m Transfer Deal from Celta Vigo
Football

Wolves Secure Rising Star Fer Lopez in £19m Transfer Deal from Celta Vigo

Wolves have signed 21-year-old forward Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo in a £19m deal, marking their first summer acquisition.
By /
Rangers Boost Squad with Key Loan Deals and Transfers Ahead of New Season
Football

Rangers Boost Squad with Key Loan Deals and Transfers Ahead of New Season

Rangers are strengthening their squad with strategic loan deals and potential transfers, including Max Aarons and Conor Coady, as they prepare for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season.
By /
Tony Docherty Reflects on His Impactful Tenure at Dundee FC
Football

Tony Docherty Reflects on His Impactful Tenure at Dundee FC

Former Dundee manager Tony Docherty shares insights on his tenure, focusing on team development and strategic style.
By /
Phil Foden's Stellar Comeback: A New Era for Manchester City
Football

Phil Foden's Stellar Comeback: A New Era for Manchester City

Phil Foden shines in Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup opener, signaling a strong comeback and a promising new season.
By /
Nicolas Jackson Faces Extended Suspension After Controversial Red Card in Club World Cup
Football

Nicolas Jackson Faces Extended Suspension After Controversial Red Card in Club World Cup

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson receives a two-game ban following a red card in the Club World Cup, impacting the team's strategy.
By /
Matt Beard to Lead Burnley Women's Team as Head Coach: A New Era Begins
Football

Matt Beard to Lead Burnley Women's Team as Head Coach: A New Era Begins

Former Liverpool manager Matt Beard is set to take charge of Burnley Women, aiming to lead them to new heights in the upcoming season.
By /
Messi's Magic: The Timeless Genius of Football's Living Legend
Football

Messi's Magic: The Timeless Genius of Football's Living Legend

Lionel Messi proves his enduring brilliance with a stunning free-kick, leading Inter Miami to victory in the FIFA Club World Cup.
By /
Lawrence Shankland Excluded from Hearts' Pre-Season Training Camp in Spain
Football

Lawrence Shankland Excluded from Hearts' Pre-Season Training Camp in Spain

Lawrence Shankland has been left out of Hearts' pre-season training camp in Spain as contract negotiations continue.
By /
Burnley Bolsters Defense with Signing of Dutch Star Quilindschy Hartman
Football

Burnley Bolsters Defense with Signing of Dutch Star Quilindschy Hartman

Burnley strengthens their squad with the acquisition of Dutch left-back Quilindschy Hartman from Feyenoord on a four-year deal.
By /
Marti Cifuentes Departs QPR: A New Chapter for the Championship Club
Football

Marti Cifuentes Departs QPR: A New Chapter for the Championship Club

Marti Cifuentes leaves QPR after a challenging season, marking the end of his tenure and the beginning of a new era for the club.
By /
Liverpool Secures Milos Kerkez in a £40m Deal: A Strategic Move for Premier League Dominance
Football

Liverpool Secures Milos Kerkez in a £40m Deal: A Strategic Move for Premier League Dominance

Liverpool has strategically signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m, enhancing their squad for the upcoming Premier League season.
By /
Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.