The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has showcased a remarkable blend of youth and experience, with players ranging from teenage sensations to seasoned veterans making headlines. The tournament has not only provided a stage for rising stars to shine but also allowed legendary figures to prove they can still compete at the highest level. Here are the top 5 oldest and youngest players to have featured in the FIFA Club World Cup, based on the most current and notable data available:
Oldest Players in Club World Cup History
- Fabio (Fluminense FC) – Fábio, the 44-year-old goalkeeper for Fluminense FC, has made history by becoming the oldest player to appear in the modern FIFA Club World Cup. When he took the field against Borussia Dortmund in June 2025, he was 44 years, 9 months, and 17 days old, setting a new benchmark for the tournament in its current format. Should Fábio play in the final of the 2025 Club World Cup, he would surpass Pérez’s record and officially become the oldest player ever in the competition’s history. Fábio’s longevity and continued high-level performance are remarkable, especially given he has played over 1,370 official senior matches since his professional debut in 1997.
- Thiago Silva (Fluminense FC) – Thiago Silva, the 40-year-old Fluminense FC captain and former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender, made headlines as the oldest outfield player to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing his enduring class in a standout defensive display against Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Despite his veteran status, Silva anchored Fluminense’s backline with composure and experience, helping his team keep a clean sheet in a tightly contested 0-0 draw, where Fluminense dominated much of the play but were ultimately denied by Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
- Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Denis Onyango, the 40-year-old goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns and former Uganda Cranes captain, has made headlines as one of the oldest players to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, currently being ranked among the top three oldest participants at the tournament. Celebrating his 40th birthday just before the event, Onyango’s remarkable longevity and professionalism have seen him extend his contract with Sundowns, marking two decades in South African football and continuing to inspire both teammates and young players with his leadership and experience. His presence at the Club World Cup, where he is representing Mamelodi Sundowns as one of Africa’s four teams, is a testament to his enduring quality and serves as a powerful example of resilience and dedication at the highest level of the game.
- Luka Modrić (Real Madrid) – 39 years – Luka Modrić, Real Madrid’s 39-year-old captain and midfield legend, is set to conclude his storied career with the club after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking the end of an era following over a decade of success that included 28 trophies and a record-setting run as the oldest outfield player in club history. Though he continued to feature prominently under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2024–25 season, Modrić has now become the fourth oldest player to take part in the 2025 Club World Cup, behind only two other veteran outfielders in the tournament’s history. His final appearances for Real Madrid will be at the Club World Cup in the United States, after which he will officially depart the club.
- Gustavo Cabral (Pachuca) – Gustavo Cabral, the 39-year-old Argentine centre-back and captain of CF Pachuca, became the fifth oldest player to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing his enduring influence and leadership at an elite international club competition. Cabral, born on October 14, 1985, has been a mainstay in Pachuca’s defense since joining in 2019 and led the team to victory in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which secured their place at the Club World Cup. His appearance in the tournament highlights both his remarkable longevity and his continued importance to Pachuca’s squad.
Youngest Players in Club World Cup History
- Lennart Karl (FC Bayern München) – Lennart Karl, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder for FC Bayern München, made headlines as the youngest player to feature in the 2025 Club World Cup when he debuted at 17 years, 3 months, and 24 days old—equivalent to approximately 17 years and 113 days, depending on exact calculation from his birthdate (22 February 2008). Coming off the bench at halftime in Bayern’s resounding 10-0 victory over Auckland City, Karl impressed with his confidence and attacking flair, earning praise from coach Vincent Kompany and teammates for his ability to threaten in the final third and for maintaining the team’s attacking intensity. The Club World Cup appearance marked a significant milestone for Karl, who is widely regarded as one of Germany’s most promising young talents and is now aiming to establish himself further with Bayern’s senior squad
- Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain) – Ibrahim Mbaye made history at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by becoming the 2nd youngest player to feature in the tournament. On June 15, 2025, at the age of 17 years, 4 months, and 22 days, he was subbed on in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-0 victory against Atlético Madrid, marking him as the youngest Frenchman and the sixth youngest player overall to play in the Club World Cup. Mbaye’s performance included a crucial role in PSG’s fourth goal, showcasing his dribbling skills and confirming his status as one of the brightest young talents in the competition. This appearance reflects his rapid rise at PSG, where he signed his first professional contract earlier in 2025 and has been breaking records as a teenage sensation.
- Franco Mastantuono (River Plate) – Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old Argentine midfielder from River Plate, is set to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as the third-youngest player ever to participate in the tournament. Born on August 14, 2007, Mastantuono made his senior debut for River Plate at just 16 years old, becoming the club’s third-youngest player in history. Despite having already signed with Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer worth $72.6 million, he will continue to play for River Plate in the Club World Cup before officially joining Real Madrid in August 2025. His precocious talent and record-breaking early career have made him a key player for River Plate as they compete in the tournament.
- Joshua Udoh (Al Ain FC) – Joshua Udoh, a Nigerian midfielder playing for Al Ain FC, made history at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by becoming the fourth youngest player to feature in the tournament at just 17 years old. He also set a record as the youngest African player to appear in a FIFA Club World Cup match, playing in Al Ain’s 5-0 defeat to Juventus. Udoh was substituted on in the 90th minute, showcasing his talent on the global stage at a very young age during this expanded edition of the tournament.
- Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto) – Rodrigo Mora, Porto’s 18-year-old attacking midfielder and one of the youngest players to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, has quickly established himself as a key talent for the club. Having joined Porto’s youth academy at under-10 level, Mora made his professional debut at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player ever for Porto. In the 2024-25 season, he became a regular starter, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists, showcasing his tactical intelligence and sharp movement. At the Club World Cup, Mora is the fifth youngest player to participate, carrying a €70 million release clause and attracting attention from major European clubs. Despite his youth, he has already been called up to Portugal’s senior national team and is expected to be a mainstay in the future. During Porto’s match against Inter Miami, Mora was involved in a key moment when he fouled Lionel Messi just outside the penalty area, leading to Messi’s crucial free-kick goal in the 2-1 defeat. Mora’s presence at the Club World Cup highlights his rapid rise and potential to become a global football star.
This range highlights the remarkable age diversity in the tournament, showcasing both emerging young talents and seasoned veterans competing at the highest club level.
