The wait is nearly over as there’s only 48 hours left before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 begins in the United States from June 14 to July 13. All the hype building from the initial announcement of this tournament is reaching its peak and Brazilian legend Kaká is buzzing with anticipation.
The former Ballon d’Or winner and 2007 Club World Cup champion sat down with members of the media earlier this week to breakdown his views on this year’s tournament and reflected on the pride this tournament has not only on the players but for the millions of fans watching. He believes this revamped 32-team tournament is not only unique but crucial to the growth of football in the US.
“If I had a chance to participate in a tournament like this one of course, I wanted to win and be the first one,” Kaká said. “It’s something really special.”
Kaká sees this new format as a proving ground, especially for Europe’s top clubs in this year’s tournament such as Real Madrid, UEFA winners Paris Saint-Germain FC, Manchester City FC, Chelsea FC, SL Benfica, FC Porto, Inter Milan, Juventus FC, FC Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund.
“It’s very important for the European clubs to establish their dominance,” he said. “A lot of European clubs, a lot of South American clubs. They already face each other in the tournaments. Normally, they are in the final.”
Orlando, one of the host cities for the tournament, holds a special place in Kaká’s heart. He played for Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer, being one of the pioneers of international players bringing the game to the U.S. He scored 24 goals during his career with the club. As two stadiums in Orlando host four games including a marquee matchup between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC on June 25th. Kaká is thrilled to see a team he gave so much to get put in the spotlight
“We had a lot of big teams playing in Orlando, so the city is embracing football and we are seeing that the city is trying to develop football in general,” Kaká said. “They’re developing youth, the infrastructure, and now hosting big games. I’ll try to make an appearance.”
One major challenge Kaká acknowledges players facing is the timing of the tournament. While European players are coming off grueling domestic campaigns, others particularly in MLS and South America are midseason.
“Balancing rest and preparation is going to be the biggest challenge for European clubs,” he said. “I don’t think there will be a lack of motivation. Everyone wants to win. But managing the rest and recovery will be key.”
Kaká has his standards high in this tournament for former club Real Madrid as he stated previously in comments distributed by FIFA, “There’s no other option for [Real Madrid] but to win. All the expectations are on them.”
Real Madrid is beginning to set the tone coming into this tournament after the new addition of football manager Xabi Alonso, who was key to rebuilding German club Bayer Leverkusen and a former teammate of Kaká during his time in Madrid.
“Alonso is very smart, even when he was playing, he saw the game like a coach,” Kaká said. “The pressure at Madrid is different, but I think he’s ready for this position.”
When asked which Madrid player he looks forward to having an immediate impact in this Club World Cup tournament, he viewed recently acquired superstar Kylian Mbappé, as the centerfold for Real Madrid’s championship aspirations. Mbappé had 40 goals which was one of the few bright spots for Madrid subpar La-Liga season
“Every tournament, the pressure is to win,” Kaká emphasized. “All eyes will be on Mbappé. He had a great individual season, and now he has the chance to bring titles to Real Madrid.”
Kaká also pointed out the importance of fellow Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in Real Madrid’s quest for Club World Cup glory.
Kaká has his eyes on the Group B, which features Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Atlético de Madrid, Botafogo FR (Brazil), and the Seattle Sounders of MLS.
“It’s one of the toughest groups in the tournament,” Kaká said. “In my opinion, the European is always been the favorites and then we have Seattle and and Botafogo fighting to be I say underdog in the group. But they still have a chance because as I said before, the Europeans, they are in the end of the season and for Seattle and for Botafogo, they are in the middle of the season, probably their players are fresher than the European clubs.”
Kaká knows firsthand the prestige of the Club World Cup. In 2007, he led AC Milan to the title and was named the tournament’s best player — donating his prize car to charity. Kaká also explains the importance of playing international tournaments as it helps with the development of a young soccer player, as they get to experience different playing styles from all the other countries.
Kaká finished the interview with one final message to all the spectators that have a chance to see their nation’s clubs play not too far from home for the first time.
“Don’t lose the opportunity, this is a great opportunity to see something unique. So, it’s a great opportunity to be there and watch these kinds of players perform at a high level. So, for those that have the opportunity to go, don’t lose this great opportunity to see and watch and follow this tournament in New York in New Jersey, because it’s going to be awesome.”
