Club World Cup 2025: Top Striker Performances So Far
The newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has delivered on excitement, shock results, and goal-scoring theatrics, with the tournament now entering its quarter-final phase. With eight teams remaining in contention for global supremacy, the focus has sharpened not only on the potential title winners but also on the standout individual performers. While several players have underwhelmed, others have embraced the opportunity to shine on the world stage. In particular, a handful of strikers have made their mark in dramatic and decisive fashion.
Unexpected Quarter-Final Lineup
The last eight has thrown up some matchups that defy the traditional script. Fluminense will meet Al Hilal—a pairing few could’ve predicted—after both South American and Asian sides took out heavyweights in the earlier rounds. Fluminense overcame Inter Milan, while Al Hilal stunned the world with a thrilling 4-3 win against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Palmeiras take on Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain face Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 UEFA Champions League final, and Real Madrid will clash with Borussia Dortmund—a rematch of the 2024 UCL decider. These fixtures promise high-intensity football and a platform for more star strikers to assert their dominance.
Next up: #FIFACWC Quarter-Finals. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/T49Cj3bOOy
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 2, 2025
Gonzalo Garcia: Madrid's New Star
Perhaps the biggest revelation of the tournament so far is Gonzalo Garcia, the 21-year-old Real Madrid striker who has taken full advantage of his opportunity. With three goals in four matches, including a vital winner against Juventus in the Round of 16, Garcia has provided the firepower that a sluggish Vinicius Jr. has not.
Garcia’s journey to stardom has been accelerated by this tournament. His record-breaking 25 goals for Castilla in the Spanish third division earned him promotion to the senior team. Now, with goals in a global tournament and praise from Real Madrid legend Raul, Garcia is making a strong case to become the long-term No. 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I knew this competition was the opportunity of my life,” Garcia said post-match, reflecting on his rapid rise. Spanish U17 coach Hernan Perez has called him “a striker for the next decade.”
54' ⚽ GOAL!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 1, 2025
Gonzalo García gets the best of a header in the box and puts @realmadrid in the lead! 🔥
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Vinicius Jr. Disappoints
In contrast, Vinicius Jr. has been one of the disappointments of the tournament. Expected to lead Madrid’s attack, he’s looked off pace and out of sync. His return of one goal and one assist in four games does not reflect his usual standards or the level of anticipation surrounding his performances.
As Real Madrid move into tougher fixtures, the burden may fall even more heavily on Garcia to carry the scoring load.
40' ⚽ GOAL — VINÍCIUS JR!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 27, 2025
A touch of class from the Brazilian as he puts Real Madrid in front.
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Kylian Mbappe’s Timely Return
After being sidelined with a virus and spending time in the hospital, Kylian Mbappe returned in Paris Saint-Germain’s Round of 16 match against Juventus. Though not at full strength, his presence alone has lifted PSG, who now face Bayern Munich in what could be one of the most exciting fixtures of the quarter-finals.
With three games potentially remaining, Mbappe still has time to influence the tournament and etch his name into Club World Cup history. Known for shining on the biggest stages, the French superstar could explode into form when it matters most.
Harry Kane: The Consistent Force
Harry Kane continues to do what he does best: score goals. The England captain has netted three times in four appearances for Bayern Munich. Although he surprisingly failed to find the net in Bayern’s 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City, Kane remains in contention for the Golden Boot.
His leadership and consistency in front of goal are invaluable assets for Bayern as they prepare to take on PSG. With Kane in top form, Bayern fans have every reason to be optimistic.
🎙️ Harry Kane reacts after scoring a brace and helping Bayern into the quarterfinals.
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 29, 2025
Focused. Composed. Leading by example.
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Erling Haaland: Still Lethal
Even though Manchester City were eliminated by Al Hilal in a pulsating 4-3 encounter, Erling Haaland managed to leave his mark. Scoring three goals in his four matches, the Norwegian showed flashes of his prolific self, despite still not being at full fitness following injury troubles last season.
Haaland’s instinctive positioning and ability to score under pressure are traits that continue to set him apart. Although his journey in this year’s Club World Cup is over, he exits with his reputation intact.
Michael Olise Joins the Race
Another name sharing the three-goal tally is Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace attacker has enjoyed a breakout tournament, showing creativity, flair, and finishing skills. Though not traditionally a central striker, his forward contribution and ability to drift into dangerous positions have made him one of the surprise packages.
Olise’s performances have caught the attention of scouts across Europe, and a move to a bigger club could be on the cards if he maintains this level.
Angel Di Maria: Spot-Kick Specialist
At 37, Angel Di Maria has defied age and expectations to become the Club World Cup’s top scorer—at least before the quarter-finals. He has scored four goals in four matches for Benfica, all coming from the penalty spot and all scored during injury time.
His contributions couldn’t save Benfica from elimination against Chelsea, but Di Maria’s clutch performances added a layer of drama to the tournament. His precision and nerve under pressure remain as sharp as ever.
Lautaro Martinez: Could Have Done More
Internazionale captain Lautaro Martinez had a mixed campaign. Despite scoring two goals before Inter’s elimination by Fluminense, his influence wasn’t as pronounced as fans might have hoped. As the leader of his team, expectations were sky-high. A stronger showing might have changed Inter’s fate.
Lionel Messi’s Moment of Magic
Lionel Messi only has one goal in the tournament so far—a trademark free-kick against Porto. Yet, the quality of the goal has made it one of the most memorable moments. His ability to deliver in style, even as he winds down his career, remains unmatched.
While Messi has not been prolific in this tournament, his presence still draws eyes and lifts his teammates. Should Inter Miami continue to progress, the maestro might have another special moment or two left.
53' ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 🐐
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
Messi scores a GORGEOUS free kick goal and @InterMiami are now leading 2-1 versus @FCPorto!
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Top Scorers: Club World Cup 2025 (So Far)
- Angel Di Maria (Benfica) – 4 goals
- Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid) – 3 goals
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 3 goals
- Erling Haaland (Man City) – 3 goals
- Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) – 3 goals
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter) – 2 goals
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – 1 goal
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) – 1 goal
The Road Ahead
With the quarter-finals set to unfold, the stage is now set for more magic, heartbreak, and iconic performances. The pressure will mount, and so too will the expectations on the star forwards.
Can Garcia continue his fairy tale run? Will Mbappe or Kane surge ahead in the Golden Boot race? Can Messi conjure more moments of genius? The next few days will provide all the answers, and fans around the world will be watching.
As the tournament reaches its climax, one thing is certain: the strikers have already played a huge part in shaping the story of the 2025 Club World Cup, and the best may still be to come.
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