Sure, FIFA wants us to get hyped about the Club World Cup as a battleground for the biggest names in football.

But let’s be real—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland will shine at the actual World Cup next year.

This summer’s tournament? It’s a chance for the next generation to show the world what they’re made of.

With exhausted veterans taking a back seat, expect fresh faces to take the spotlight.

Here are the rising stars you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Federico Redondo – The Heir to a Midfield Legacy

Age: 22
Club: Inter Miami
Country: Argentina
Position: Defensive midfielder

He’s not Messi, but with a last name like Redondo, expectations are still sky-high.

Federico is following in the footsteps of his father, Fernando Redondo—one of Real Madrid’s greatest midfielders.

Standing tall at 6’3″, Federico commands the midfield in classic Argentine No. 5 style.

His time in MLS has been hit by injuries, but if he’s inherited even a slice of his father’s big-match mentality, this could be his breakthrough tournament.

Tom Bischof – Bayern’s Next Big Bet

Age: 19
Club: Bayern Munich
Country: Germany
Position: Central midfielder

Bayern picked up Bischof from Hoffenheim for a modest fee, but his challenge is anything but small.

He’s now in a dressing room full of elite talents and big personalities.

With the first team likely resting, this tournament offers Bischof the perfect shot to catch manager Vincent Kompany’s eye.

His skill set fits Bayern’s tactical style—and this could be his launchpad.

Estevao – Chelsea’s Future Brazilian Wonderkid

Age: 18
Club: Palmeiras (joining Chelsea)
Country: Brazil
Position: Winger

He’s only just turning heads in Brazil, but Estevao could be the Premier League’s next breakout star.

Before he joins Chelsea for £29 million, he’ll be aiming to end his time with Palmeiras on a high.

Already capped five times for Brazil, Estevao is hoping to make waves both in this tournament and at next summer’s World Cup.

He’s got flair, confidence, and the kind of swagger that makes London excited.

Rodrigo Mora – Portugal’s Next Midfield Maestro

Age: 18
Club: Porto
Country: Portugal
Position: Attacking midfielder

He made his Porto debut in a European tie at just 17—and people took notice.

With 10 goals and 4 assists this season, Mora even earned a spot in Portugal’s Nations League-winning squad.

He’s got the potential to avoid the fate of other early bloomers like Fabio Silva.

This tournament could be Mora’s next big leap toward elite status.

Obed Vargas – Alaska’s Gift to Mexican Football

Age: 19
Club: Seattle Sounders
Country: Mexico
Position: Central midfielder

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, but representing Mexico, Vargas is a name being whispered in boardrooms across Europe. Atletico Madrid leads the chase.

Sounders’ GM says, “He’s triggering all the analytics alarms.”

With just months left on his MLS contract, Vargas may be saying goodbye to Seattle soon—and the Club World Cup could be his final statement.

Julien Duranville – Dortmund’s Sleeper Talent

Age: 19
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Country: Belgium
Position: Winger

He hasn’t fully broken into Dortmund’s starting XI yet, but that might change fast.

With Jamie Gittens possibly leaving, Duranville could have more minutes ahead.

He played in nine Champions League games last season, and if he keeps progressing, Belgium could call him up for next year’s World Cup.

This tournament is a big step on that path.

Siyabonga Mabena – South Africa’s Star in the Making

Age: 18
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Country: South Africa
Position: Forward

Confident and charismatic, Mabena celebrates goals with Steph Curry’s “go to sleep” move—and he’s ready to perform it in front of a global audience.

He dreams of playing in Europe and hopes this stage opens those doors.

While Sundowns might not go far in the tournament, Mabena’s skills could grab plenty of attention.

Petar Sucic – Inter Milan’s Midfield Reinforcement

Age: 21
Club: Inter Milan
Country: Croatia
Position: Central midfielder

After a crushing Champions League final loss, Inter are rebuilding—and Sucic is part of the plan.

Brought in from Dinamo Zagreb for £12 million, he’s expected to follow in the footsteps of fellow Croatian midfielders like Brozovic and Kovacic.

With veterans aging, Sucic is the kind of fresh blood Inter’s new manager Cristian Chivu is betting on. Watch for him to make his mark.

Marcos Leonardo – A Brazilian Star in Saudi Arabia

Age: 22
Club: Al Hilal
Country: Brazil
Position: Forward

He left Benfica after a short spell and quickly lit up the Saudi Pro League with 17 goals in 24 games.

But with his talent, many believe he belongs back in Europe.

Some think he’s Brazil’s next top striker—and with the World Cup around the corner, the Club World Cup is the perfect stage to prove it.

Kenan Yildiz – Juventus’ Homegrown Playmaker

Age: 20
Club: Juventus
Country: Turkey
Position: Attacking midfielder/winger

Juve’s strategy has shifted toward youth, and Yildiz is their poster boy.

Developed in their Next Gen squad, he’s already showing the promise of a £100 million player.

While not fully polished yet, Yildiz has the vision and flair that Juve believe can carry them into a new era.

Antonio Silva – Portugal’s Defensive Powerhouse

Age: 21
Club: Benfica
Country: Portugal
Position: Centre back

With Pepe finally stepping down, the spotlight shifts to Antonio Silva.

At just 21, he’s already earned 17 caps and has the grit, smarts, and physicality to lead Portugal’s back line for years.

He’s not just a destroyer—Silva plays high up the pitch and isn’t afraid to push forward. This tournament is his time to shine.

Franco Mastantuono – The 17-Year-Old Madrid Can’t Wait to Get

Age: 17
Club: River Plate (joining Real Madrid)
Country: Argentina
Position: Midfield

He was River Plate’s midfield general by age 16.

And now, Mastantuono is heading to Real Madrid, who locked in a deal around a £39 million release clause.

From curling free kicks in Superclasicos to passing exams and scoring in front of tens of thousands, his story is just beginning—and the Club World Cup is another step toward the top.