Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Gloria Estefan draws CA River Plate during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

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

Can the Argentine setup go all the way?

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; Gloria Estefan draws CA River Plate during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Currently undergoing a revolutionary transformation, River Plate have been handed an uplifting draw at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Placed in Group-E alongside Inter Milan, Monterrey and Urawa Reds, the Argentine Primera Division side will fancy their chances. Can the South American giants go deep in the competition?

Since the arrival of Marcelo Gallardo in August 2024, River Plate has been undergoing a renaissance. They have also been benefited by club legends returning – particularly German Pezzella and Sebastian Driussi. Their possession-based style of play makes the Millonairos one of the best bets to qualify from Group-E.

River Plate qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup courtesy of their CONMEBOL Ranking. They are also through to the Copa Libertadores Round of 16.

River Plate Star Players

German Pezzella:

The 33-year-old was in the mix with Lionel Scaloni and co. when they made history in Qatar. He is a phenomenal ball-playing centre back with immense experience and talent. “We believe we can beat anyone on our day,” asserted the defender to FIFA. Having made his River Plate debut in 2011, he played for Real Betis and Fiorentina before returning.

Marcos Acuna:

The left-back was a veteran at Sporting as well as Sevilla. He joined River Plate in 2024 – making 14 appearances for the side since then. Acuna’s ability to hold the ball and deliver inch-perfect crosses into the box is almost second to none.

Sebastian Driussi:

A former veteran of La Banda, Driussi made 67 appearances for the men in red and white between 2013-17. After the return of Gallardo, the club acquired his services yet again. His multi-faceted flexibility means that he can be deployed as a #9, false #9 or #10.

River Plate New Players Joined

For the 2024-25 campaign, El Mas Grande signed Argentina nationals Gonzalo Montiel and German Pezzella for €4.5 million each. Their most expensive recruit was former Krasnodar defensive midfielder Kevin Castano, who was brought in for €12.6 million. Millonario also activated the re-sign clause on 21-year-old Lautaro Rivero, who was on loan with Central Cordoba de Santiago del Estero.

River Plate FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Conan Ledesma, Lucas Lavagnino, Santiago Beltran

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Fabricio Bustos, Federico Gattoni, Paulo Diaz, Leandro Pirez, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuna, Milton Casco

✊ Modo Mundial de Clubes 🌎⚽️#FIFACWC | #RiverMundial 🤍❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/kSWn25Ef1a
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) June 13, 2025

Midfielders: Enzo Perez, Kevin Castano, Santiago Simon, Matias Kranevitter, Rodrigo Aliendro, Maximiliano Meza, Ignacio Fernandez, Manuel Lanzini, Gonzalo Martinez, Matias Rojas, Giuliano Galoppo, Franco Mastantuono, Santiago Lencina, Giorgio Constantini

Forwards: Sebastian Driussi, Miguel Borja, Facundo Colidio, Gonzalo Tapia, Ian Subiabre, Bautista Dadin

FIFA Club World Cup

German Pezzella

Marcos Acuna

River Plate

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Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.