Credits: X/@ligaportugal

Benfica Full Squad List for Club World Cup 2025, Key Players to Watch, and More

Di Maria is set for an emotional return to his childhood club Rosario Central following the showpiece tournament.

Credits: X/@ligaportugal

Portuguese giants Benfica have officially named a 30-player squad for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States. With a powerful blend of seasoned internationals and rising stars, the Primeira Liga runners-up will be one of the most closely watched teams in the tournament.

Notably, Benfica are the most decorated club in Portugal with 38 Primeira Liga titles. They will be based in Tampa, Florida, throughout the tournament. Their campaign begins with a high-octane clash against Argentina’s Boca Juniors on June 15 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Despite falling short in the domestic league and cup this past season, the Eagles have arrived in the U.S. with renewed enthusiasm.

They made their intentions very clear during a dominant 7–0 friendly win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where Benfica dismantled their opponents at will. It was a clinical warm-up victory that showcased Benfica’s squad depth. It must also have sent a loud warning to Group C rivals Boca Juniors, Auckland City, and Bayern Munich.

🔴🤩 BENFICA GOLEÓ AL TAMPA BAY ROWDIES EN UN AMISTOSO PREVIO AL MUNDIAL DE CLUBES

⚽🇵🇹 El equipo portugués superó ampliamente al equipo de la USL. Ganó 7-0 en lo que fue una preparación para el torneo internacional.

🇦🇷🙌 Ángel Di María marcó un doblete y Nico Otamendi (que no… pic.twitter.com/IVuoEgq8SU
— Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) June 11, 2025

Key Players to Watch

Vangelis Pavlidis

After a record-breaking debut season in Lisbon, Vangelis Pavlidis heads into the Club World Cup as Benfica’s undisputed attacking talisman. The Greek striker netted 28 goals in all competitions, topping the club’s scoring charts. But his contributions didn’t stop there as Pavlidis also registered 11 assists, making him Benfica’s most productive player.

Deadly inside the box and intelligent in his movement, Pavlidis is more than just a poacher. His link-up play and eye for the final pass make him a complete forward and a nightmare for opposing defenders. If he carries this form into the Club World Cup, Benfica will be a serious threat in Group C.

Angel Di Maria

Veteran winger Angel Di Maria is set for an emotional farewell after the tournament, with a return to Rosario Central awaiting him post-Club World Cup. But before he heads home, the 36-year-old will be determined to leave one last mark on the global stage. The Argentine’s class was on full display this season as he finished with 12 goals and 8 assists. Still capable of game-changing moments, Di Maria will bring experience, leadership, and flair to this young Benfica side.

New Players Joined

Benfica have opted to rely on their existing core for the FIFA Club World Cup. The club has not made any new signings specifically for the tournament, as their transfer activity is yet to kick off ahead of the new season. Instead, head coach Bruno Lage is placing his trust in the squad that battled through a demanding domestic and European campaign.

Benfica Squad for the Club World Cup

Goalkeepers: Anatoliy Trubin, Diogo Ferreira, André Gomes

Defenders: Álvaro Carreras, António Silva, Samuel Dahl, Nicolás Otamendi, Rui Silva, Gonçalo Oliveira, Joshua Wynder, Leandro Santos, Bajrami

Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Orkun Kökçü, Leandro Barreiro, Florentino Luís, João Veloso, Rafael Luís, João Rego, Renato Sanches, Diogo Prioste

Forwards: Ángel Di María, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Andrea Belotti, Andreas Schjelderup, Gianluca Prestianni, Bruma, Tiago Gouveia, Eduardo Fernandes

Benfica may have missed out on silverware this season, but their ambition the Club World Cup will be to go all out for the coveted trophy. With an experienced squad and some serious momentum, the Eagles are primed to fly as they chase international glory in the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Benfica

Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.