Chelsea FC Names Surprising Squad for FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Snubs Sterling and Felix
In a bold and unexpected move, Chelsea Football Club has unveiled their official squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, leaving out over £150 million worth of talent—including star forwards Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix. New manager Enzo Maresca’s selection has shocked fans and ignited widespread debate ahead of the prestigious tournament, set to take place in the United States this summer.
Chelsea's Club World Cup Squad Prioritizes Cohesion Over Star Power
With the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup kicking off on June 16, Chelsea’s announcement has taken many by surprise. The Blues will open their campaign against MLS side Los Angeles FC, but their squad reveals a noticeable shift in strategy.
Rather than fielding a star-studded lineup, Maresca has chosen a blend of youth and consistency, focusing on players who have trained and developed chemistry throughout the 2024/25 season. The decision has resulted in major omissions, including former England regular Raheem Sterling, and Joao Felix, whose creative prowess was expected to be an asset in the high-stakes knockout competition.
High-Profile Omissions Spark Questions About Chelsea’s Strategy
Joining Sterling and Felix on the sidelines are defender Axel Disasi and goalkeeper George A. Petravvic, further fueling speculation about Chelsea’s internal dynamics and long-term vision. The move raises serious questions: Is this a calculated step toward building a more unified, adaptable team? Or could it backfire at the world stage, jeopardizing Chelsea’s title hopes?
The financial angle also cannot be ignored. With tens of millions in player investment now excluded from the tournament, Chelsea faces growing scrutiny over its transfer policies and squad management.
Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup Campaign Begins June 16
As Chelsea eyes a potential Club World Cup triumph in July 2025, all eyes are on Maresca and his chosen squad. Success could signal a transformative chapter for the club, validating bold decisions and ushering in a new era. But failure might spark backlash and renewed criticism over leaving out marquee names.
With global attention fixed on this high-stakes tournament, Chelsea FC’s journey at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is poised to be a dramatic and defining moment in the club’s modern history. The question remains: Can the Blues conquer the world stage without their biggest stars?