Three Ghanaian Talents to Watch at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is all set to mark a significant chapter in club football history with a revamped 32-team format. Scheduled to take place across the United States from June 14th to July 13th, the tournament will bring together continental champions and top-performing clubs from around the world for a month-long football spectacle. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see standout talents from emerging football nations shine on this global platform.
Among the most exciting names are three promising Ghanaian footballersāYaw Yeboah of Los Angeles FC, Edmund Baidoo of RB Salzburg, and Samuel Obeng of Wydad Casablanca. These players not only represent their clubs but also carry the hopes of Ghanaian fans eager to see their compatriots excel on football’s grandest club stage.
Letās take a deeper look at how these three Ghanaian stars could leave a lasting impact at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Yaw Yeboah ā Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Yaw Yeboah, a former Columbus Crew standout, joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in early 2025. Renowned for his pace, dribbling flair, and creativity in the final third, Yeboah made a name for himself by helping Columbus Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup. His performances made him a fan favorite in Major League Soccer (MLS), earning him a move to LAFC.
However, life at LAFC hasn’t started with fireworks. The 28-year-old has found it challenging to cement a starting spot, making just four starts and nine appearances in total since his transfer. Yeboah’s first goal came after a five-month wait, netting against Seattle Sounders in a crucial league fixture. In the play-in match for the Club World Cup, Yeboah was only brought on in the 120th minute to help secure a 2-1 victory over Club America.
Despite limited minutes, Yeboah remains a potential game-changer off the bench. His experience and ability to turn matches with a moment of brilliance could prove crucial in tight group-stage encounters.
š¬š Yaw Yeboahās goal that proved to be enough for Columbus Crew to lift the MLS Cup.
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) December 10, 2023
What a pass; the first touch to control and second touch to score wasnāt bad either š
pic.twitter.com/owxz6kZuWY
LAFCās Club World Cup group includes:
- Chelsea (UEFA representatives)
- Esperance Tunis (CAF representatives)
- Flamengo (CONMEBOL representatives)
While Chelsea will be strong favorites to top the group, LAFC has a realistic chance of fighting for the second qualification spot. If Yeboah is given the chance to play, heāll be eager to make every minute count and showcase his talent on a world stage.
Edmund Baidoo ā RB Salzburg (Austrian Bundesliga)
At just 19 years old, Edmund Baidoo is one of the most exciting young Ghanaian footballers in Europe. After joining RB Salzburg in mid-2024 from Norwegian side Sogndal, Baidoo quickly adapted to life in Austriaās top division. The forward has impressed with his technical intelligence, sharp movement, and eye for goal.
During the domestic season, Baidoo contributed five goals and one assist, including two goals and one assist in Salzburgās final two matchesāa crucial run that helped the club secure a UEFA Champions League spot for the next season. His performances have earned him a regular place in the squad, and he has featured in every Salzburg game since February.
Baidoo also gained attention for his impressive performances in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored two goals and registered three assists in seven matches for Salzburg’s U19 team.
RB Salzburg faces a difficult Club World Cup group, drawn against:
- Real Madrid (Europe)
- Al Hilal (AFC runners-up)
- Pachuca (CONCACAF)
Despite the tough competition, Salzburg’s experience in European football makes them a dangerous side. Baidooās agility, pressing ability, and composure in front of goal could be Salzburg’s secret weapon in their quest to advance.
Given Salzburgās competitive fixtures and rotation policy, Baidoo is expected to see valuable playing time during the group stage.
Taking out FOUR players in one sequence, and providing a phenomenal assist š„
— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) October 3, 2024
Edmund Baidoo is on another level š¬š pic.twitter.com/bMckxvk31X
Samuel Obeng ā Wydad Casablanca (Botola Pro)
Samuel Obeng, 28, made the switch to Wydad Casablanca in early 2025 after spells across Europe. Since arriving in Morocco, he has found his footing in the Botola Pro, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 11 league appearances.
Wydad Casablancaās spot in the Club World Cup comes courtesy of their CAF Champions League title from the 2021/22 season, where they defeated Al Ahly 2-0 in a thrilling final. Although it has been a few years since that triumph, Wydad enters the tournament with renewed confidence and an experienced squad.
Obeng has grown in stature, especially towards the end of the domestic season. He started Wydadās last three games, contributing directly to goals in each match. Furthermore, he featured prominently in pre-tournament friendlies against Sevilla and Porto, where he led the line with composure and strength.
Wydad has been placed in one of the most difficult groups of the competition:
- Manchester City (UEFA treble winners)
- Juventus (Italy)
- Al Ain (UAE)
For Obeng, this is a golden opportunity to prove his mettle against top-tier defenders and potentially attract attention from larger European clubs. Even if Wydad struggles to progress, strong individual performances could still elevate Obeng’s career to new heights.
Welcome, Samuel Obeng š¬šš¤#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/NL3EXISgcH
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) February 6, 2025
Final Thoughts: Ghanaian Players to Follow at the 2025 Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises top-tier footballing action, and Ghanaian fans will be watching closely as Yeboah, Baidoo, and Obeng represent their respective clubs. Whether as rising stars or experienced forwards, each has a chance to leave a mark on the tournament.
As the global football community tunes in, these three talents could very well become the stories of the competitionāand boost the visibility of Ghanaian football on the world stage.
