FIFA Club World Cup
The-AFC.com spotlights players to watch from the four Asian sides - UAE’s Al Ain FC, Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Ulsan HD of Korea Republic, plus special mentions.
Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, Morocco)
Top scorer of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 with 13 goals, Rahimi raked in 11 goals in the UAE Pro League for the 2024/25 season and the Moroccan forward’s intelligent movement and dead ball instincts make him Al Ain’s most potent weapon.
Kodjo Laba (Al Ain, Togo)
The powerful Togolese striker has been a consistent goal threat for Al Ain in domestic and continental competition and finished the UAE Pro League 2024/25 season winning the Golden Boot with 20 goals in 21 games for Al Ain. His physical presence, aerial ability and lethal finishing can trouble any defence.
Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal SFC, Saudi Arabia)
A veteran of multiple FIFA World Cups and a consistent performer in AFC club competitions, Al Dawsari remains Al Hilal’s heartbeat. The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 topscorer, Al Dawsari’s ability to produce magic moments, like his stunning strike against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, makes him a reliable match-winner.
A veteran of multiple FIFA World Cups and a consistent performer in AFC club competitions, Al Dawsari remains Al Hilal’s heartbeat. The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 topscorer, Al Dawsari’s ability to produce magic moments, like his stunning strike against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, makes him a reliable match-winner.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal SFC, Serbia)
The Serbian international brings European pedigree and physicality to the heart of Al Hilal’s midfield. His experience and vision complement Al Dawsari’s attacking flair, making them one of the most balanced partnerships in the competition.
The Serbian international brings European pedigree and physicality to the heart of Al Hilal’s midfield. His experience and vision complement Al Dawsari’s attacking flair, making them one of the most balanced partnerships in the competition.
Jung Woo-young (Ulsan HD, Korea Republic)
An experienced international and midfield anchor, Jung provides the stability and leadership Ulsan need on the global stage. The 35-year-old defensive midfielder’s ball winning skills will be the key during Ulsan’s transitions against their Group F opponents.
Erick Farias (Ulsan HD, Brazil)
The Brazilian winger has added flair to Ulsan's attack since joining the K League giants. Known for his pace and eye for goal, Farias - often deployed as a lone striker - brings an edge that could unlock the tightest defences at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Genki Haraguchi (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan)
Returning to Japan after a successful European stint, Haraguchi has brought leadership and control to Urawa’s midfield. His composure and tactical intelligence will be crucial in steering the Reds through high-pressure matches in Group E.
Returning to Japan after a successful European stint, Haraguchi has brought leadership and control to Urawa’s midfield. His composure and tactical intelligence will be crucial in steering the Reds through high-pressure matches in Group E.
Ryoma Watanabe (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan)
A product of the FC Ingolstadt youth academy in Bavaria, Watanabe adds an extra dimension in attack and is often called upon to deliver creative and attacking flair. The technically gifted winger, who is on six goals for Urawa, is comfortable playing in the centre or on the right flank, behind lone forward Yusuke Matsuo.
A product of the FC Ingolstadt youth academy in Bavaria, Watanabe adds an extra dimension in attack and is often called upon to deliver creative and attacking flair. The technically gifted winger, who is on six goals for Urawa, is comfortable playing in the centre or on the right flank, behind lone forward Yusuke Matsuo.
Special mentions
Lee Kang-in (PSG, Korea Republic)
PSG’s creative spark, Lee Kang-in brings flair, vision and set-piece mastery. A key figure in Korea Republic’s national team, Lee is expected to seize the spotlight and add another silverware after his UEFA Champions League 2024/25 title triumph in May.
Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City, Uzbekistan)
The 21-year-old Uzbek defender is a rising star at Manchester City. Already impressive with his composure and intelligence, Khusanov symbolises the growing presence of Central Asian talent on the global stage.
Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, Korea Republic)
Kim combines athleticism with tactical discipline in the Bayern Munich defensive line. A Serie A and Bundesliga champion, Kim will be expected to be a pillar in Bayern’s backline as they chase FIFA Club World Cup honours.
