Chelsea's Shocking Squad Decisions for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Chelsea's Strategic Squad Selection for the FIFA Club World Cup

In a surprising move, Chelsea has decided to leave out four high-profile players from their 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The quartet, consisting of Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell, collectively cost the club approximately £179 million in transfer fees. All four players ended the previous season on loan at other clubs.

Player Profiles and Recent Performances

Raheem Sterling: The 30-year-old England forward, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £50 million, spent last season on loan with Arsenal. He started just 13 games and scored once.
Joao Felix: The 25-year-old Portugal forward made a permanent move to Chelsea last summer for £45 million. He scored seven goals in 20 appearances before ending the season on loan at AC Milan.
Axel Disasi: The 27-year-old France defender was signed from Monaco in 2023 for £38.5 million. He played 17 games last term before finishing the season on loan with Aston Villa.
Ben Chilwell: The 28-year-old England left-back was a £45 million signing in 2020. After just one game for Chelsea last term, he spent the rest of the season with Crystal Palace, where he was an unused substitute in their FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

The Expanded Club World Cup Format

The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup format is set to begin in the United States on Sunday, 15 June (01:00 BST). This new format promises to bring more excitement and competition to the tournament.

Chelsea's Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Gaga Slonina

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia

Forwards: Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu