FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Team of the Group Stage – Di Maria Shines, Olise Dazzles
The group stage of the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has wrapped up, delivering a spectacular showcase of global footballing talent. With 48 thrilling matches played across various venues, fans witnessed a mix of breakout stars, legendary veterans, and high-octane drama.
Now, as we head into the knockout stages, it’s time to recognize the top individual performers who made the biggest impact during the group stage. Using internal player ratings based on overall contribution, consistency, and minutes played, here is the official Club World Cup 2025 Team of the Group Stage.
Goalkeeper
Nathan Garrow (Auckland City) – Rating: 7.9
Auckland City endured a tough start, conceding 10 goals in their opening match against Bayern Munich. In response, 21-year-old Nathan Garrow was brought in for the remaining two group fixtures—and what a decision that turned out to be.
Despite conceding six goals against a relentless Benfica attack, Garrow made an incredible 10 saves. He followed that up with another stellar performance against Boca Juniors, once again making 10 crucial stops and helping his team secure a surprising 1-1 draw. Garrow’s resilience and shot-stopping ability under pressure make him the standout goalkeeper of the group stage.
Defenders
Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) – Rating: 8.0
The experienced Argentine centre-back continues to defy age. At 36, Otamendi displayed leadership, grit, and technical ability in all three group matches for Benfica. He made four tackles and nine clearances against Bayern Munich and played a crucial role in the win over Auckland City, notching an assist.
Despite an unfortunate own goal against Boca Juniors, Otamendi showed character by scoring a dramatic late equalizer to secure a draw. His all-round contributions make him a deserved inclusion.
Otamendi Saves The Day with A Late GOAL!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025
Watch the @FIFACWC
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Alexander Barboza (Botafogo) – Rating: 8.2
The unsung hero of Botafogo’s defensive line, Barboza emerged as one of the tournament’s most impressive centre-backs. The Argentine defender averaged 3.7 tackles and 11 clearances per game, holding his own against European giants like PSG and Atletico Madrid.
What sets Barboza apart is his aerial dominance and impeccable positioning. His performances were purely defensively driven and consistent across all games, making him our top-rated defender of the group stage.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) – Rating: 7.8
Italian international Bastoni has adapted smoothly to Inter’s new tactical system under manager Christian Chivu. Always composed at the back, Bastoni combined his strong defensive skills with flair going forward.
His standout moment came against River Plate, where he dribbled past two players and smashed in a stunning goal from just outside the penalty area. It was a moment of class that highlighted his ability to impact both ends of the pitch.
⚽ BASTONI SEALS IT!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 26, 2025
Alessandro Bastoni steps up and puts the match to bed for @Inter!
They're leading their group and advancing to the R16 🔵⚫
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Midfielders
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – Rating: 8.3
Tied as the highest-rated player of the group stage, Michael Olise was nothing short of electric. The Frenchman was the creative heart of Bayern’s midfield, wreaking havoc with his pace, skill, and vision.
Olise torched Auckland City with two goals and two assists, before sealing a last-minute winner against Boca Juniors. With five goal involvements in just three matches, Olise looks set to be one of the stars of the tournament.
🥾 Michael Olise clings on to the Golden boot top spot, but others are not far behind. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ji4NEAXuDe
— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) June 27, 2025
Leandro Barreiro (Benfica) – Rating: 7.9
After struggling for game time throughout the domestic season, Barreiro grabbed his opportunity at the Club World Cup with both hands. Against Auckland City, he scored two goals in the space of two minutes—showcasing his ability to time late runs into the box.
Barreiro also impressed against Bayern, engaging in nine duels and winning six of them. His engine and tactical awareness have been key to Benfica’s midfield dominance.
78' GOAL! @SLBenfica are on a roll here, and Barreiro scores the fifth one for the Portuguese club
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025
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Ruben Neves (Al Hilal) – Rating: 7.8
A reminder of Ruben Neves’ elite pedigree, the Portuguese midfielder has been outstanding for Al Hilal in the group stage. He ran the show with his distribution, intelligence, and cool head under pressure.
Neves converted a penalty against Real Madrid, completed 197 out of 216 passes across three matches, and created five chances. His passing map is a testament to his ability to dictate play from deep and maintain control in tight situations.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) – Rating: 7.8
The 20-year-old Turkish playmaker has been one of Juventus’ brightest sparks. Operating in a free role behind the striker, Yildiz scored three outstanding goals and registered an assist. His technical brilliance, quick feet, and fearlessness have been a joy to watch.
This tournament may well mark his transition from promising talent to bona fide star.
Kenan Yıldız is going to be a very special player 🇹🇷
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025
Enjoy every angle of his stunning first goal as @juventusfcen beat Wydad Casablanca 4-1 ⚽️
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Forwards
Angel Di Maria (Benfica) – Rating: 8.3
What a farewell tour this has been for Angel Di Maria, who is set to return to his boyhood club Rosario after the tournament. At 37, the Argentine maestro continues to deliver on the biggest stages.
He scored three penalties during the group stage, but his influence extended beyond the spot-kicks. Di Maria completed six dribbles and created five key passes, proving that he still has the creativity and class to influence top-level games. His leadership and quality have been essential for Benfica’s success so far.
Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus) – Rating: 8.0
Coming into the tournament in fine form, Kolo Muani carried his goal-scoring momentum into Juventus’ group stage campaign. He scored twice in the first half against Al Ain and played a pivotal role in the build-up against Wydad, creating two big chances.
His speed, spatial awareness, and link-up play have made him a nightmare for defenders, and he continues to enhance his reputation on the global stage.
45'+3 Randal Kolo Muani gets his second of the night!!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
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Luiz Araujo (Flamengo) – Rating: 7.9
Flamengo have been one of the tournament’s most exciting teams, and Luiz Araujo has been at the heart of their attacking play. The former Lille winger scored a goal, provided an assist, and created three big chances in the opening game against Esperance.
Against LAFC, he was relentless, constantly stretching the defense and driving forward with purpose. Araujo’s combination of speed and decision-making has made him one of the standout wide men of the group phase.
Final Thoughts
From veterans like Di Maria and Otamendi proving their enduring class, to emerging talents like Olise, Yildiz, and Garrow stealing the spotlight, the 2025 Club World Cup group stage has been a celebration of global football.
With the knockout rounds set to ignite, the pressure will only intensify. But for now, these eleven stars can bask in the spotlight—having earned their place in the Team of the Group Stage for the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
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